"Debt: Updated and Expanded: The First 5,000 Years" by David Graeber explores the historical and social implications of debt throughout human history. Graeber challenges the conventional understanding that equates debt with morality and sees it as a fundamental aspect of economic systems. He argues that debt relationships are deeply intertwined with social structures and power dynamics, influencing relationships across different cultures and eras. The book traces the origins of debt, revealing its presence in ancient Mesopotamia and its evolution over the millennia. Graeber highlights how societies have used debt to organize economies, enforce social hierarchies, and exert control over individuals. He delves into various economic systems, from the barter system to contemporary capitalist practices, showcasing the complexities and contradictions of debt. In this expanded edition, Graeber incorporates contemporary examples to illustrate how debt continues to shape modern life, including the financial crises and austerity measures faced by many nations. He emphasizes the moral implications of debt, advocating for a critical reevaluation of existing financial structures and practices that often perpetuate inequality and suffering. The overall message urges readers to rethink the role of debt in society, pushing for a more just economic system.