When we talk about debt and its economic impact, we usually overlook the debt owed by individuals and firms. Richard Vague examines the assets, liabilities, and incomes of the American economy as a whole, not just of the government. The book shows that debt growth in excess of GDP growth is a feature of modern economic systems - and thus ever-increasing leverage is built into the very structure of the economy. Vague shows that rising debt is the primary source of economic growth, new money creation, and wealth creation - but that it also brings heightened inequality and can bring economic calamity when left unchecked. He also offers an innovative set of policies to try to manage this debt paradox.