The book looks at how these improvements have come about, who has benefited from them, and what can be done to ensure that the benefits of economic growth and development continue to be shared more widely.

One of the key arguments of the book is that economic growth and development alone are not enough to ensure that people's lives improve. Deaton emphasizes the importance of good governance, institutions, and policies in creating the conditions that allow people to escape poverty and improve their lives.

He also argues that while economic growth has been a major driver of improvements in health and living standards, there is still much more to be done to ensure that these gains are shared more equitably.