With this work, Mario Arango Jaramillo provides scholars of cooperativism and solidarity economy with a comprehensive manual on social economics. Through an engaging narrative, he takes us on a historical journey of cooperation, from the contributions of Greek philosophers to the current state of cooperativism in both developed and developing countries. Along this historical trajectory, he explores humanity's most significant moments, during which social thinkers made their contributions to the principles of self-management and solidarity. Furthermore, the author introduces us to the concept of solidarity economy as a new form of economic rationality that has enriched economic science with an ethical dimension. This perspective has enabled the transformation of self-managed enterprises and state socialism, thanks to the incorporation of a new economic factor: community. Lastly, he offers insights into the characteristics of existing solidarity enterprises in Colombia, both formal and informal, as well as other practical aspects of interest to those wishing to delve into the captivating world of social economics. Ultimately, it is a work that prompts readers to reflect on the context of their country. Keywords: Cooperativism, history of cooperativism, solidarity economy.