📖 peek insideEmpire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty
by Patrick Radden Keefe
Patrick Radden Keefe provides a devastating portrait of the Sackler family, the dynasty behind OxyContin and the American opioid crisis. The narrative traces three generations of the family, from their rise in the pharmaceutical industry to their role in fueling a public health catastrophe. This meticulously researched investigation exposes the intersection of corporate greed, regulatory failure, and the pursuit of prestige. It is a gripping, essential read for understanding one of the most significant social tragedies of our time and the accountability of power.
A popular book with millions of readers worldwide.
Notable Quotes
"I think Upton Sinclair once wrote that a man has difficulty understanding something if his salary depends on his not understanding."
"It is a peculiar hallmark of the American economy that you can produce a dangerous product and effectively off-load any legal liability for whatever destruction that product may cause by pointing to the individual responsibility of the consumer."
"The opioid crisis is, among other things, a parable about the awesome capability of private industry to subvert public institutions."
You might also enjoy
The Anarchy: The East India Company, Corporate Violence, and the Pillage of an Empire
by William Dalrymple
A heavily researched history of the East India Company. It rigorously details the corporate pillaging of the Mughal Empire.
The Silk Roads: A New History of the World
by Peter Frankopan
A deeply researched global history shifting focus to the East. It meticulously details how ancient trade networks shaped civilization.
SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome
by Mary Beard
A highly academic yet accessible deep dive into Ancient Rome. It separates historical facts from enduring imperial myths.
Bloodlands: Europe Between Hitler and Stalin
by Timothy Snyder
A profoundly dense and harrowing academic study. It meticulously details the horrific atrocities committed between Hitler and Stalin.
1177 B.C.: The Year Civilization Collapsed
by Eric H. Cline
A fascinating, research-backed investigation into the Bronze Age collapse. It analyzes how ancient, interconnected civilizations suddenly fell apart.
Think Again
by Adam Grant
Engaging stories that challenge your deep-seated beliefs, teaching you the crucial mindset of unlearning and rethinking.