The Big Solution
Reviews, Endorsements and Book Description
Adrian Bejan is a J.A. Jones Distinguished Professor. He is quoted in the book but most importantly he has been writing papers about a very similar topic. In his book, ‘Freedom and Evolution’ and his Research Article, ‘Energy Theory of Periodic Economic Growth’ very similar perspectives are deployed. Adrian wrote as follows:
The Big Solution is an invitation to understand how the economy works by looking at nature. It teaches in conversational style the physical basis of economics concepts (wealth, loans, debt, banking) and focuses on money and how we can change the flow of money for the benefit of all of us. Key is the idea that when banks loan out money, they are loaning out work that someone did and someone else will do. Banks are enabling work creation. I recommend The Big Solution very highly because it puts the science in economics.
Adrian Bejan
Author of Freedom and Evolution: Hierarchy in Nature, Society and Science
Grady Harp is a top Amazon reviewer. He has endorsed and reviewed all my books. His reviews are thought provoking, well written and captures the intent of the author, here is what he wrote:
THE BIG SOLUTION Stopping the Doomsday Machine The Wolfe Trilogy Book 3
‘There’s something very wrong with this country’
Author Jarl Jensen has the courage to place before the public a novel that is not only searingly written as a story, but also points out the flaws in our current society. Jarl is an inventor of multiple patented medical devices, and as a successful businessman and executive for several companies he now turns his creativity to writing this astonishingly fine book of ideas that could change our world. THE BIG SOLUTION is the third volume of The Wolfe Trilogy, and carries the hottest sparks!
To understand Jarl’s stance, the trilogy should be consumed in toto. Before this Book 3 opens, he has stated, ‘A master storyteller is able to tell a story to an elephant loaded with new ideas and change the beliefs and abilities of the elephant. Educated and wiser, the elephant can now simply stand up and break its rope. This is such a story. It is a story for you; it is a story for humanity; it is a story that will break our collective rope so we can stand up and be free.’
Keenly aware that the best way to point out our flaws and focus on repair, Jarl continues to tell a story that underlines all of his concepts. Jarl’s synopsis is a fine roadmap to continue his bristling series: ‘Justin Wolfe and his crew have to overcome academia’s fake science, polarized political beliefs, an entrenched financial system and the assertion that growth is progress. To make things appealing and interesting, the heroes don’t just put together a bunch of footnotes, charts and economic papers, they set out to solve the problems of the world in simple language using anecdotes and analogies that anyone can understand. Justin, Evan, Connie and Laz, all take turns making their unique point of view known, debating the pros and cons; all while bringing their colorful personalities into the mix, creating a hilarious atmosphere, while delivering a big solution.’ A quote from Justin Wolfe, “Our world is remarkably automated. Resources remain in abundant supply. Life should be so simple. So prosperous. And yet the vast majority of people still aren’t making a decent living. America’s promise of equal opportunity, a sustainable future and liberty for all has become a distant memory. But I, Justin Wolfe, have a plan to finally change the dynamics that have been holding this country and the world back. Imagine a simple idea that could change the world forever. An idea that will deliver us from this economic train-wreck and prevent further hardships from falling on the shoulders of future generations. Shouldn’t we get started?” ‘
Jarl Jensen, through the voice of his titular Justin Wolfe, bangs the drum for waking up and paying attention to our world as we find it, and in doing so, rev up the changes that MUST happen! Rarely has an author demonstrated that an exceptional story can become a viable, nearly irresistible, force for change! Highly recommended.
John Linholm, Author of ‘The Last of the Third’
“I’ve known Jarl a long time. He’s always been laser focused on things he wishes to accomplish. So it’s no surprise that he is a master story-teller, excellent writer, and a top idea man as we push through the 21st century. “The Big Solution’ is a must-read.”
Terri Levine, Ph.D., Chief Heart-repreneur is a Business strategist, best selling author of dozens of titles and keynote speaker. Here is what she wrote:
Have you ever wondered what the purpose of life is? You certainly know that your decisions create your life experience. Yet, there are things outside of your control that are part of the society you live in, right? Are there societal systems that are in the way of your happiness?
In Jensen’s book, he explains what is not quite right in society and what you can do about it. Once you see society’s weaknesses and they are revealed, you will be delighted to find there are massive opportunities waiting for you. Imagine awakening to your life purpose and reigniting entrepreneurship and knowing you can build the world you want to live in!
Truly, you and I get to make the rules for how society functions. Everything we do must put people first so that the path for humanity is a sustainable, prosperous, and peaceful one!
Louis Romano is the successful author of many crime books. Here is what he wrote:
‘Without a doubt, this is Jarl Jensen’s best book. A brilliant, and timeless look at global economics and what is needed for changing things for the better. Jensen puts things in such a way that the reader doesn’t need an economics degree to absorb and understand how the banks, not politics control our lives, and what can be done going forward. I loved the book and your style.’
Jack Canfield is one of the most successful authors of all time. His Chicken Soup for the Sole has sold hundreds of millions of copies. Here is my interview on the weekly Jack Canfield show. Here is what he said:
‘Thank you for writing ‘The Big Solution’. Thank you for being a deep thinker. Thank you for having the vision and the thinking we need. I am a big fan of engineering things. The thinking to solve the major issues by some of the brightest people I know, at google and Apple, they all want to solve these world problems. Bringing this level of thinking to the larger issues, thank you for doing that.’
Alfred F. Maurice, A Top-Rated attorney selected to the NJ Super Lawyers
The Big Solution is the 3rdh installment of the Wolfe Trilogy, a series of books authored by Jarl Jensen dealing with the world economy, using microeconomies to explain his theories. Like his prior efforts, this work criticizes the reliance of the modern world economy on debt and its dependency on banks. In all of his work, Jensen uses his education and experience as an engineer to give a fresh look at economic reality.
The Big Solution reintroduces the reader to theories raised in his prior works but also touches upon the social premises raised in Walden by Henry Thoreau, Walden Two by B F. Skinner and to a degree by George Orwell in Animal Farm and 1984.
In creating folksy storylines, Jensen exposes the flaws in our economic system and opines that ultimately the track we are on, will lead into the abyss. He asserts that by creating more and more debt in order to “grow” the economy, we will ultimate be consumed by it.
Placing the reader alternately in a commune or the natural environment of the “woodsperson” , Jensen demonstrates how man has emerged from a self-sufficient society to one totally dependent on others to achieve “success”. Money lenders act as the pied pipers for generation after generation of humans, seeking wealth and prosperity, leading, however, to a never-ending accumulation of personal, corporate and government debt.
Jensen does not directly blame banks or government for the precarious financial condition in which we find ourselves. He does, however, blame the system which he calls “Bankism”. To support his “doomsday” prophecy, Jensen provides historical examples of the failure of Bankism. In the 20th century, the great depression and a series of 21st century recessions, produced great human duress as well as financial collapse for many long-standing businesses. In each case, there was a government bailout of banks or re-organization of the “system”. There are older historical events that demonstrate the boom and bust nature of Bankism; (e.g. the Hudson Bay bubble and the Tulip bubble in Holland) These “busts” are the inevitable results of a flawed system.
Fortunately, Jensen has advanced a solution to this conundrum. Science! He posits that the measure of the economy is not the health of the banking system but the “measure of desirable human outcomes…”
This theory pervades the Big Solution. It is thought provoking and provides a roadmap away from the pathway Bankism has created. Give it a read, you will be pleasantly surprised.
Lars Berndorff, Danish Citizen and Rock Star
“Amazing book with horrible revelations. I had nightmares and woke up with sweat on my forehead. But unfortunately it was not just a dream the book describes our reality. I started reading the book with an open mind. Along the way I put on my tinfoil hat as I thought of conspiracy theories. But as I continued reading and gnawed my way through the book, I put my hat aside and realized, clearly; this is not a conspiracy theory! This isn’t even a twisted fantasy. This is the truth. And I probably will not survive to see the solution. But I have children and grandchildren. So let’s get started. “
Simon Nynens, CEO at NJIT — Harvard Business School Alum
“The world needs more provocative free thinkers, Jarl Jensen obliges, a sincere effort to better the world!”
Dr. Moshe Davidovitch, DDS, MMSc — Harvard Medical School Alum
People situated on the “poor” end of the economic spectrum are burdened with a set of socioeconomic and psychological problems which differ from those plaguing people on the “rich” end. These disparities have been part of every type of economic system since bartering, however, none of these has provided an all-encompassing solution including our over-riding human nature and/or cultural behaviors. That being said, given that the course of human existence has vaulted humanity forward on many issues such as world hunger, poverty and access to information, we must confront the shortcomings of the economic systems we have installed in order to improve our lot and avoid upheaval.
In “The Big Solution”, Jarl Jensen has clearly identified the players on today’s national and global chessboard crediting them with both the beneficial and harmful influences they are causing. Instead of tossing the baby with the bath water, Jensen proposes a logical step forward to retain the former while catalyzing elimination of the latter. His breakthrough is to call the baby by its name (BANKISM), and to show how it shackles both capitalistic and socialistic/communistic societies. He builds a farsighted economic model that values incentives and competition while prioritizing individual and global wellbeing.
Jensen’s thesis is laid out in a narrative form that is relatable both to the uninformed reader as it is to the schooled economist. It is highly recommended that voters as well as policy makers expose themselves to its pages in order that the next chapter in human history exclude disruptions such as economic turbulence, climate deterioration or wars. Although it has been foretold that we would have to toil for our daily bread, it was not stated that our work would be undervalued. Having eaten from the Tree of Knowledge perhaps we should also taste of the Tree of Life.
Bruce Debon, Managing Director at Diversified Security Solutions, Inc
The Big Solution exposes the universal inefficiencies of Banking and a debt driven world. You will walk away from this book with an entirely refreshing perspective of money and how we can transition to an economy that works for rich and poor.
Richard Cassata, Wall Street Bond Trader
‘Jensen has written a comprehensive tale of how the financial system centered around the banking system has failed to create a sustainable society where everybody has a chance to aspire to a productive and meaningful life. Instead we have created a system where the rich get richer and the poor can’t possibly catch up. He offers a comprehensive way out to an exciting society where everyone has the opportunity to live a fulfilling life.’
Eric Pseja, Business Operations Manager
Without giving away the entire plan, The Big Solution is a worthy attempt — perhaps one of the best attempts I’ve read to date — at providing the base blueprints for a more equitable future in America (and ostensibly the world) where hard work and entrepreneurialism is indeed rewarded, but where it does not wind up in the hands of those who simply shift money and debt around without producing some sort of measurable product. Also inherent in the plan is a way to ensure that nobody goes hungry, gets sick or loses a home simply because of being trapped beneath a wealth-disparity imposed pile of debt. Implementation would also not require a Robin Hood style robbery of the rich to prop up the poor. Lastly, The Big Solution would begin to pave the way for addressing global climate issues in a manner where remediation would be profitable, and able to unite the world as a truly global economy. Sound too lofty to work? Good, then you’re just like me — a healthy skeptic who welcomes the question marks which pop up over my head as I read.
To help with the necessary role of Devil’s Advocates, Jarl employs conversations between people who are basically characterizations of differing schools of thought — financially, socially and politically. I use the plural here because there are many divergent viewpoints regarding not only The Big Solution itself, but how we got to the place where it became necessary to develop such an enterprising new idea, and everyone’s perspective must be taken into account when proposing something as preposterous as a one-size-fits-all solution. The banter feels unscripted and jovial (if not meandering at times), however it does indeed help to proactively address the many “buts” which inevitably crop up, and which would invariably bring the reading experience to a halt if not addressed in situ.
Of course (and not specifically covered in the book, but alluded to towards the end), implementing any sort of plan of this magnitude would require cementing a few bedrock pillars to accomplish. First, is education which would open people’s minds to the idea that change coming in the form of a seismic shift doesn’t necessarily have to be painful despite the learning curve. However, in the age of “fake news” and unchecked Internet propaganda, solid education cemented through logic and critical thinking is a tough sell for people who live in a world of cognitive dissonance where it’s a badge of honor to refuse to accept that something they believe might actually be wrong, despite evidence to the contrary.
Secondly would be bold, progressive leadership in politics, and I use this term without any political party connotation. These leaders would need to be stalwart visionaries who are willing to do what’s right for the good of the country, and mankind as a whole, despite possible negative consequences on his or her re-election bids or ill-feelings from political party members. Unfortunately, we’re in extremely short supply of these at present, on both sides of the aisle, and creating an environment where these sorts of legislators can flourish would require many of them voting against their own personal best interests.
Lastly, would be colossal infrastructure improvements and advances which would be necessary to enable everyone to participate in a meaningful way, with enough security in place to ensure against bad operatives. Remember — not everyone in this country’s got a computer, or a bank card, or even a bank account. Of course, executing this step is inextricably linked to the first two points above.
The one thing this book does not definitively address however — and would probably take a new book to even begin to tackle — is the innate human lust for power, driven by the allure of political might and irrational religious zealotry, that will still exist and inevitably creep into the system on some level even when everyone’s financially sound. On the other hand, will the innate structure of The Big Solution give enough power to those who adopt it to effectively render these sorts of bad actors irrelevant on the world stage?
In conclusion, is The Big Solution a one-shot panacea for the world’s financial ailments? Certainly not. But it’s loaded with good, sound ideas that are worthy of consideration; well-developed and thoughtfully assembled. Reading it also gave me a distinct feeling of hope for the future — that there are people out there who are actually working hard not just for themselves, but for a world that their children and grandchildren may inherit with pride. As with any massive undertaking, it’s all got to start with moving that first shovel of dirt, and if there is one country in this world that desperately needs to start leading the global community again by example, and striding towards a brighter future for all, it’s the United States of America. Do we have the courage to attempt it?
Thorkil Vinum, Danish Citizen Purchasing
“Ceteris paribus” is what many economist learn as one the first thigs year one when studying Economics in a scientific method world. The scientific methods and “ceteris paribus” often has the effect that economic theory becomes difficult to approach and understand for many people.
With the “The Big Solution” Jarl Jensen have succeeded in making a book that not only is relevant for the time we live in, but also entertaining to read while setting “ceteris paribus” a side for a while in order to discuss the bigger pictures. Whether you read “The Big Solution” as me through the lenses of being an economist and also a citizen or you read the book with a different background, you will enjoy reading this book because it discusses some of the highly relevant and fundamental economic challenges that the developed world and its citizen’s deals with in 2021.
Jarl Jensen have achieved making a book that regardless if you agree or disagree with all viewpoints addresses the flaws of how the modern world organizes its economy by discussing these important themes in new way that makes economic terms interesting, relevant and accessible for everyone.
Michael Walker, Former Senior Editor of Sports Illustrated
Jarl Jensen is a truly original thinker with a gift for telling dramatic stories that illuminate the biggest issues in politics and finance today. The Wolfe Trilogy are novels of ideas, but they are also good old-fashioned page-turners, perfect for the plane or the beach.
Alycia Ripley, Penguin Publishing Group Author
“Finally- a book for those of us seeking to understand the world of finance & how to better our current situation but lacking a degree in economics. The Big Solution’s faux-round table style is clear, informative, and actually fun to read. I now understand how banks affect everything & how a re-vamped strategy could work more to our collective advantage. Jensen is an engaging voice and a great teacher, especially for those of us who felt these financial concepts were ‘above’ us. “
The second endorsement is the most powerful.
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More Reading about ‘The Big Solution’ book 3 of ‘The Wolfe Trilogy’
If you have not read my other books yet, check out my Amazon author page where you can find my books. If you are interested in getting the audio book emailed to you just send me a request to connect@optimizingamerica.com
The Big Solution is not yet published. I am talking to a major book publisher and that will determine the channels it is released into. In the meantime, you can get more information at www.optimizingamerica.com and www.jarljensen.com
As a preview, here is the book description:
The challenge, write a book that redefines the plight of the world and makes the impossible possible. Justin Wolfe with the cast of characters from ‘Optimizing America’ and ‘Showdown in the Economy of Good and Evil’, attempt to write the infamous book, ‘The Big Solution’.
In this third installment of ‘The Wolfe Trilogy’, Justin and his crew have to overcome academia’s fake science, polarized political beliefs, an entrenched financial system and the assertion that growth is progress. To make things appealing and interesting, the heroes don’t just put together a bunch of footnotes, charts and economic papers, they set out to solve the problems of the world in simple language using anecdotes and analogies that anyone can understand. Justin, Evan, Connie and Laz, all take turns making their unique point of view known, debating the pros and cons; all while bringing their colorful personalities into the mix, creating a hilarious atmosphere, while delivering a big solution.
Is the world really doomed? What is this doomsday machine? Many people are asking ‘if this is the apocalypse, how come you can get Starbucks?’. Ask yourself, ‘Am I indentured to an unreasonable amount of work in my lifetime.’ Is modern living any better then Sisyphus’s in hell? Does your work amounting to anything? Does it amount to a better world that will be here for generations, even eternity. The answer is that humanity is failing itself there are just too many things going wrong even on an individual level.
America’s fight for its individual freedoms was lost long ago. Freedom wasn’t on the ticket of either party in the 2020 election. American’s just don’t realize they are not free, somehow freedom to speak while your forced to work your whole life, still registers as American freedom. American’s are living up to their eyeballs in debt but the politicians don’t seem to think that’s a problem. The few that manage to not use debt are forced to deal will the unbearable cost of living which forces everyone to work their entire lives regardless of their personal debt.
America used to be great built on principles of personal freedom, rugged individualism, and self-sufficiency, no country has ever accumulated more power and wealth, abused it less, or used that power more to advance the human condition. However, over the last fifty years the freedoms guaranteed by the constitution have been usurped by personal, corporate and government debt. And debt is an obligation that has to be paid back, this is the definition of indentured servitude, which is specifically listed, along with slavery, in the constitution.
The fate of humanity has become tied to America. America created the modern world and the baggage that came with it and now America is unable to do anything about it. Ronald Reagan once said, “Freedom is but one generation away from extinction,” but now humanity itself is one generation away from extinction. Humanity is closer to extinction then ever before in history and we need to stop playing games. This is where The Big Solution (TBS) delivers hope. Let the writing of Justin Wolfe save the day.
“Our world is remarkably automated. Resources remain in abundant supply. Life should be so simple. So prosperous. And yet the vast majority of people still aren’t making a decent living. America’s promise of equal opportunity, a sustainable future and liberty for all has become a distant memory. But I, Justin Wolfe, have a plan to finally change the dynamics that have been holding this country and the world back. Imagine a simple idea that could change the world forever. An idea that will deliver us from this economic train-wreck and prevent further hardships from falling on the shoulders of future generations. Shouldn’t we get started?” — Justin Wolfe
