In this video, William Easterly Professor of Economics at New York University, explains how the book ‘Portfolios of the Poor’ has given a more realistic human view at the life of poor people and how it changes the perspective on the “consumption smoothing” concept. The book counteracts the pervasive view that poor people are passive helpless victims. Now, the aid industry has the very realistic view of these resourceful people who are juggling to make a life not only living. Further, William discusses the features of income and cash flow of poor people.