Joining Phila and Simo today is Professor Johan Fourie. Professor Fourie attained his PhD in Economic History from Utrecht University. He currently lectures economics at Stellenbosch University. He joins Phila and Simo to unpack his book, "Our long walk to economic freedom: 100 000 years of human history".

Phila begins by explaining how a previous podcast which he recorded with a previous guest, Professor Stan du Plessis, motivated him to reach out to Professor Fourie. Swiftly thereafter, Professor Fourie proceeds to unpack why he wrote the book and why a new edition is on its way.

Further, Professor Fourie unpacks the choice of words in the title of the book, and explains why the word "Our" in the title, is the most important. He further explains what he means by "economic freedom", using his Monopoly/Settlers of Catan anecdote to elucidate this.

Further still, Professor Fourie talks about how Trust and global cooperation has led to the prosperity we see today, stressing that autarky only leads to poverty.

The conversation then proceeds to the contents of the book; highlighting a few chapters that Simo and Phila found most attractive to them. These chapters include, "Why do Indians have dowry and Africans lobola?", "Who was the richest man in history?", and "Why should we cry for Argentina?". "

In addition to conversation with Prof Fourie, have a listen to the podcast with Professor Stan du Plessis titled, titled "Sound and unsound money" (https://nmonline.co.za/en/professor-stan-du-plessis-on-sound-and-unsound-money/). 

Professor Johan Fourie's website link : (https://www.johanfourie.com/)