In "The Idealist," Nina Munk presents a compelling and deeply human narrative that chronicles the audacious journey of Jeffrey Sachs, a visionary economist whose quest to eradicate global poverty is both inspirational and fraught with challenges. Sachs, a figure of considerable acclaim and the mind behind the Millennium Villages Project, embarks on an ambitious experiment: to prove that, with the right interventions, the most impoverished communities in Africa can ascend the ladder of development. Munk's meticulous account, born of six years of close observation and rich with the stories of individuals living on the edge of survival, invites readers into the heart of Sachs's daring initiative, from the hopeful inception in Sauri, Kenya, to its replication across sub-Saharan Africa, fueled by a conviction that poverty’s end is within reach. However, "The Idealist" is more than just a chronicle of a grand experiment; it is a nuanced exploration of the collision between lofty theories and the complex tapestry of human life. Through her immersive reporting, Munk exposes the unforeseen challenges and moral dilemmas that arise when the abstract becomes tangible, and development theory is tested against the gritty reality on the ground. With empathy and critical insight, she delves into the lives of those touched by the project—celebrating their victories, confronting their struggles, and ultimately questioning the price of ambition. "The Idealist" stands as a powerful testament to the allure and the pitfalls of daring to reimagine the possible, offering a profound meditation on the ethics of intervention and the limits of idealism in the face of the world’s enduring inequalities.