System D is the underground or gray economy where approximately 20% of the world’s population works and is about 20% of the world’s total economic activity. The term System D is adapted from the French word débrouillard. A débrouillard is a resourceful and self-reliant person that can figure out how to get what they need regardless of the obstacles. It was born from the mistrust of outsiders “etrangers” in medieval France when there was a real fear of trusting others for help. It possibly explains the against-the-grain French way of doing things which at times is not understood by foreigners. Interestingly there are few Frenchmen débrouillard from the past 50 … Continue reading System D: The Gray Economy