The ideas of long-dead economists fundamentally shape our lives, our societies, and how we understand the world and ourselves as individuals. And yet, despite that, the field of economics seems, at best, intimidating and, at worst, a mind-numbing description of something we have no control over. But the ideas of economists were formed in specific historical contexts, from particular class perspectives — and they remain highly contested. Given the economic turmoil that characterizes our times, there is a pressing need to understand these ideas, their origins, and their political implications—and a remarkable series called “Capitalism” helps us do just that.