THE man with the mustache and sideburns looks like a superstar. He is well-known, sought after by heads of state, and often makes the news. All because of his concept on empowering the poor in Third World countries, which he wrote about in his book, The Mystery of Capital. Published in 2000, the book was an instant bestseller, and has now been translated into 30 different languages.

De Sotos idea was revolutionary. To him, the poor are left behin