"The Rent-Seeking Society" (book)

"The Rent-Seeking Society," written by economist Gordon Tullock and others, explores how individuals and groups seek to gain wealth not by creating new value, but by exploiting the existing economic system. Rent-seeking occurs when people engage in activities like lobbying for government favors or monopolies, aiming to capture benefits or resources without contributing to productivity. This behavior can lead to inefficiency and increased costs for society, as resources are diverted from innovation and actual production to securing advantages through political means. The book critiques this practice and its implications for economic growth and fairness.