The Mystery of Prosperity

“This book is a powerful argument for human dignity. Napoleón Gómez Urrutia reminds us that workers are not simply participants in the economy; they are its foundation. The Mystery of Prosperity is essential reading for anyone who cares about the future of work, democracy, and shared prosperity.”
—Roxanne D. Brown, international president of the United Steelworkers (USW)

“His work has improved the lives of workers and stands as an example across Latin America. If we are to resist neoliberalism, militarism, and global impoverishment, we must listen to voices like his. I am proud to call him a friend and to endorse this important work.”
—Jeremy Corbyn, member of Parliament, former leader of the UK Labour Party, and parliamentary leader of Your Party (UK)

“A powerful and intellectually stimulating work, The Mystery of Prosperity demonstrates that no nation achieves truly sustainable development without combining economic growth with social justice, democracy, and respect for the value of work. Napoleón Gómez Urrutia challenges conventional views of wealth and offers an essential reflection on how shared prosperity is the result of political choices, strong institutions, and a lasting commitment to human dignity.”
—Marcio Pochmann, professor, economist, and president of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics

“A book written from lived experience: from the mine, the assembly hall, the public platform, and exile. Napoleón Gómez Urrutia, a leader forged in the struggle of the labor movement who refused to be broken by either persecution or exile, shows that prosperity is not a gift bestowed by the market: it is built by people through strong unions, democracy, and social justice. Essential reading, endorsed by the solidarity that unites working people in Mexico and Spain.”
—Pepe Álvarez, secretary general of the General Union of Workers (UGT) in Spain

“I look for voices on the left who recognize that capitalism can change, that incentives matter, and that we need well-run, ethical, profitable businesses if we are to solve the defining problems of the future: inequality and climate change. Napoleón Gómez Urrutia is one such voice, and I value his pragmatic approach and vision for bringing workers into the decision-making process to create a more just future. I hope business and civic leaders alike will read this book.”
—Elizabeth MacBride, journalist, consultant, and national bestselling coauthor of Capital Evolution: The New American Economy

“In The Mystery of Prosperity, a senior Mexican trade union leader makes the case for institutions built on solidarity and standards, in the workplace and in society. He provides those of us not privileged to live in Mexico insight into the spirit now animating politics and civil society there, a sharp departure from the harsh neoliberalism of the recent past …”
—James K. Galbraith, author of The Power to Destroy: How Bad Economics Drove America’s Decline

“Can the Scandinavian model of greater economic equality provide the foundation for a peaceful Mexican revolution? Urrutia argues that it can. His recognition of gender equality as essential to building shared prosperity makes this a must-read for anyone concerned about Mexico’s future—and about other societies where immense wealth is squandered through inequality. His leadership in advocating for parental leave and equal-pay legislation in Mexico demonstrates that he has walked his talk.”
—David B. Oppenheimer, professor at UC Berkeley School of Law and author of The Diversity Principle

Napoleón Gómez Urrutia is a Mexican economist, labor leader, legislator, and author whose career has been defined by a lifelong commitment to social justice and the defense of workers’ rights. A graduate of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), where he earned highest honors, he continued his studies at the University of Oxford, obtaining a master’s degree and pursuing doctoral studies in economics.

Since 2002, he has served as Secretary General of the National Union of Mine, Metal, Steel, and Related Workers of the Mexican Republic and has forged strategic alliances with international labor organizations, including IndustriALL Global Union, the AFL-CIO, and the United Steelworkers.

Elected to the Mexican Senate in 2018, he chaired the Labor and Social Welfare Committee and championed historic reforms, including the abolition of labor outsourcing and the expansion of paid vacation rights. He currently serves as a federal deputy.

Internationally recognized for his humanitarian work and advocacy of workers’ rights, he has received distinctions including the Meany-Kirkland Human Rights Award, Georgetown University’s Global Democracy Award, and the Arthur Svensson International Award for Trade Union Rights.

He is the author of:

• The Collapse of Dignity (2014)
• Before the Next Revolution (2017)
• The Triumph of Dignity (2021)
• A Revolution in Motion (2023)

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.