Took me longer than I thought to finish it but I guess with the topic of economics I can't just zip through it like a sci-fi adventure. That was a book that was on my "book bucket list" when it comes to economics. I still need to read more Milton Friedman, Adam Smith, and Marx (so I can understand Marxists since they always ask if I've read Marx).
I know it is a silly notion at this point but I think Basic Economics should be required reading in public high schools along with the classics of Western Literature because if you live in the western world then you should understand the culture as well as understand what made it great. I'm all for learning all the good/bad/ugly history but I think we have rehashed the past excessively without any context. Everything the west has done has been done on a larger or smaller scale throughout history.
But back to the book. I highly recommend it if you haven't read it yet. Although it is still a sad reminder that emotion dominates today. One example was when he talks about how stores in inner cities or high crime areas get attacked for "gouging" the customers and charging higher prices when nobody bothers to consider that they have to charge higher prices to make up for high levels of crime or having to hire security. Also reminded me of the arguments I had with the "but those buildings have insurance" crowd because I said they will be the first to scream bloody murder when those businesses move to a nice suburb and it becomes harder for people to find work in their neighborhood.
Plus I think a lot of high school age students would benefit from the idea that proclamations don't solve problems. I can remember in 2016 hearing so many young people acting like they were compassionate for supporting Bernie. I would ask them what they are doing with their own time and money to help the less fortunate.
I've got about 20 pages to go in Vision of the Anointed. I don't really know what to say about it except, "yup." He had these people 100% figured out decades ago.
Basic Economics is on deck on my nightstand.
I've read Black Rednecks and White Liberals and Discrimination and Disparities but not Intellectuals and Society. I have heard that about him repeating himself so it is best to get the latest addition of whatever topic.
Sounds very interesting and that’s true. Is the the one who made that commentary about certain democrats in gated communities not having to experience the consequences of their crimes?
As the polish proverb goes.
You wont learn until you burn yourself.
Sounds like a great read. Yea, I will probably go back to Basic Economics for reference reasons in the future. He frequently mentioned Adam Smith and I have heard of Wealth of Nations spoken about in a positive light for a long time.
That is true about opportunists. Granted, the govt has fit that role as well. But I'm definitely going to buy it soon. Or see if it is free in audio form. But I would like it in my personal library.
I like a lot of what he espouses. I like the tenants of his work, including that christian ideals without the christian ideology helped make this a great country and that it should be continued, even as the importance of religion falls away. Charity is important, but making sure it helps society should be the guiding principle of donations.
Totally agree. Most of the charity I do is with my church since they have relationships with different organizations in the local community but I see they actually help people. I understand the purpose of welfare but it seems like the govt doesn’t want people to be self sufficient
Good. Now do "Man Economy and State" to get atomic level understanding. Its really dry, and dense, but when you get through it, you can really understand how markets work.
Thank you!
If you want a good follow up, I suggest giving Antitrust and Monopoly: Anatomy of a Policy Failure by Dominick T. Armentano a read.
Thanks!
Read Alexander Hamilton. Read his original Reports (National Bank and the one covering foreign debt).
Will do. I do have the federalist papers as well
Just say yes, nobody actually reads Marx.
Really? I assumed that those who wear the Che Guevara shirts have read it. But it wouldn’t surprise me that they won’t.
I recommend Economic Facts and Fallacies by him as well
Actually have that one in my stack to read.