Guess which book we find in most peoples properties?

This book is easily the most popular book that I see on property visits and viewings........

So what book is it, I hear you ask. Its Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari. This book is a must for me to note for being easily the most popular book that I see when I conduct property viewings in Tenants and Landlords properties (I write this in 2018). Not only will I notice it on one's book shelf but it is also more likely to be out alone on the coffee, kitchen, or bedside table. This is of course very interesting. We as human beings seem to have a desire to learn about human history and be mindful of events that have shaped the outcome of the world today. 

I've read the book. I give it an 8 out of 10. So if you are reading this blog post, I definitely recommend it.

If I may quote two paragraphs from this book:

"First Capitalism, has created a world that nobody but a capitalist is capable of running. The only serious attempt to manage the world differently - Communism - was so much worse in almost every conceivable way that nobody has the stomach to try again. In 8500 BC one could cry bitter tears over the Agricultural Revolution, but it was too late to give up agriculture. Similarly, we may not like capitalism, but we cannot live without it.    The second answer is that we just need more patience - paradise, the capitalists promise, is right around the corner. True, mistakes have been made, such as the Atlantic Slave trade and the exploitation of the European working class. But we have learned our lesson, and if we just wait a little longer and allow the pie to grow a little bigger, everybody will receive a fatter slice. The division of spoils will never be equitable, but there will be enough to satisfy every man, woman and child - even in the Congo".

And.....

"The dominant religion of our age is Liberalism. Liberalism sanctifies the subjective feelings of individuals. It views these feelings as the supreme source of authority. What is good and what is bad, what is beautiful and what is ugly, what ought to be and what ought not to be, are all determined by what each one of us feels.    Liberal politics is based on the idea that the voters know best and there is no need for Big Brother to tell us what is good for us. Liberal economics is based on the idea that the customer is always right. Liberal art declares that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Students in liberal schools and universities are taught to think for themselves. Commercials urge us to "Just do it". Action films, stage dramas, soap operas, novels and catchy pop songs indoctrinate us constantly: 'Be true to yourself', 'Listen to yourself', 'Follow your heart'. Jean-Jacques Rousseau stated this view most classically: 'What I feel to be good - is good. What I feel to be bad - is bad'

So what's my point. Lots of media scare talk at the moment, such as:

1st: Capitalism does not work any more, and things will change - The world will not end, capitalism will improve and get better.

2nd: Liberalism (neo-liberalism particularly) does not work any more,(enter Trump and populism) - The world will not end, we as humans have come far in producing decency and we will only get better.

3rd: BREXIT - The world will not end and whatever the outcome, the UK will live on and be fine. 

I listened to Rob and Rob's: "The Property Podcast" last week. They were right with what they said. When the crash hit in 2007/2008, there was a feeling of the world ending and then 12 months later things had settled down and everything was fine. When the BREXIT vote outcome happened in 2016, there was a feeling of the world ending, and then shortly later within the year, we realised that the UK was performing not so bad after all. So if/when BREXIT happens and really happens, whats the worse to happen?

I have noticed a pick-up in confidence. We at Jeremy Jacob Letting Specialists have seen a bounce back this Summer and up until now of high end letting activity. The demand has been strong and Tenants are paying asking prices. We seem to be moving forwards (whatever the outcome).

We will still need a roof over our heads in 2019.

by Jay White, Director of Jeremy Jacob Letting Specialists.