 In the work, Sowell argues against the notion that economic equality is natural, and examines geographic, cultural, social, and political factors that have contributed to the wealth of groups and nations.In a review for "The Independent Review", Gary M. Galles of Pepperdine University stated that Sowell "thinks carefully and creatively through widely held premises and the narratives they support, bolstering his analysis with a vast array of evidence that offers insights for the intellectually curious".Galles argued that the author is effective in showing how "massive variations in access to ideas and culture, as well as goods and services, overwhelm any expectation of equality of productivity".