Episode 2 – Beyond Myths: Education, Big Government, and Planned Economies

In this 66-minute episode of Between Lines and Lands, Shakil (California) and Towheed (Bangladesh) continue their journey through Ha-Joon Chang’s 23 Things They Don’t Tell You About Capitalism.We dive into thought-provoking ideas that challenge conventional wisdom:The U.S. doesn’t have the highest living standards — why the story is more complicated.Planned economies never disappeared — even after the fall of communism, planning still shapes our world.Education alone won’t make a nation rich — Shakil shares his journey from the slums of Dhaka to leading finance in Southern California.Big government makes people more open to change — Towheed reflects on how societies adapt.Financial markets should be less, not more, efficient — a CFA’s perspective on crises and instability.We close by introducing the next book that will guide our upcoming episodes.Recorded across two continents — at midnight in Dhaka and dawn in California — this conversation reflects our commitment to exploring economics with honesty and lived experience.