The book is meant to provide understanding of the fascinating history of indicators, which tell us how we are doing and whether the future looks bright or dim. These numbers were invented in the mid-twentieth century to address urgent challenges of the Great Depression, World War II and the Cold War. Karabell makes it clear that the data revolution has taken over our quest for greater clarity on details to a new high. The depth in figures, the need to access information and the how they could be used to fit what is searched for, is also revealed. Key chapters of the book include the invention of the economy, the economic gestalt, diminishing returns and gross national happiness, to name a few. Zachary Karabell is an author, money manager, commentator and head of global strategy at Envestnet.