Banerjee and Duflo offer a data-driven, humane rethink of how economics can address today’s biggest challenges – immigration, inequality, climate crisis, trade disruption, automation, and democratic decline. Using randomised controlled trials and natural experiments, they debunk conventional myths – showing, for instance, that migrants don’t supress wages and cash transfers don’t reduce work effort – and emphasise the importance of contextual, evidence based policy over theoretical dogma. Rejecting ‘bad economics’ rooted solely in growth narratives, the authors advocate for economic strategies that protect dignity, build resilience, and confront inequality – not just boost GDP – arguing economics must serve society as ‘plumbers’ not prophets.