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How we've cooperated our way to prosperity: Stan du Plessis at TEDxStellenbosch

2,018 views · Published 24 October 2012 · 25:14 · Indexed 16 October 2026

Channel: TEDx Talks · 2012 · Science & Technology

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At TEDxStellenbosch 2012, Stan du Plessis explains the economic history of humankind and how it was largely characterised by long-run stagnation and subsistence. He explains how our capacity for cooperation has determined the growth of prosperity, and how the latest countries to experience an industrial revolution are doing so at a much faster rate than any economies before them.

Stan is a macroeconomist at Stellenbosch University. He studied at the Universities of Cambridge and Stellenbosch and is the President of the Economic Society of South Africa. He was a member of the "Harvard group" of economists who advised government on policy since 2006.

About TEDx:

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

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