In "Boomerang: Travels in the New Third World," Michael Lewis discusses the concept of leverage in financial dealings. He suggests that leverage can create the illusion of wealth, allowing individuals or entities to experience a level of prosperity that they haven't truly worked for. This false sense of security can lead to risky behaviors and unsustainable financial practices.

Lewis's assertion highlights the dangers of relying on borrowed money or resources without acknowledging the potential consequences. The temporary advantage that leverage provides can obscure the reality of financial obligations, making it easy for people to overextend themselves and face dire repercussions in the long run.