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Common Sense Economics: What Everyone Should Know About Wealth and Prosperity
With the global economy recovering from a steep recession, and with that recovery challenging our long-held ideas about what careers and the market can be, learning the basics of economics has never been more essential. Principles such as gains from trade, the role of profit and loss, and the secondary effects of government spending, taxes, and borrowing risk continue to be critically important to the way America's economy functions, and critically important to understand for those hoping to further their professional lives - even their personal lives. Common Sense Economics discusses key points and theories, using them to show how any reader can make wiser personal choices and form more informed positions on policy.
Now in its third edition, this fully updated classic from James D. Gwartney, Richard L. Stroup, Dwight R. Lee, and Tawni H. Ferrarini reflects on the recession and the progress that's been made since the crash; it offers insight into political processes and the many ways in which economics informs policy, illuminating our world and what might be done to make it better.
Now in its third edition, this fully updated classic from James D. Gwartney, Richard L. Stroup, Dwight R. Lee, and Tawni H. Ferrarini reflects on the recession and the progress that's been made since the crash; it offers insight into political processes and the many ways in which economics informs policy, illuminating our world and what might be done to make it better.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2005
About the author
James D. Gwartney
65 books18 followersJames D. Gwartney holds the Gus A. Stavros Eminent Scholar Chair at Florida State University, where he directs the Stavros Center for the Advancement of Free Enterprise and Economic Education. He is the coauthor of Economics: Private and Public Choice, (South-Western Press, 2008), a widely used principles of economics text that is now in its 12th edition. He is also the co-author of Common Sense Economics: What Everyone Should Know About Wealth and Prosperity (St. Martin's Press, 2005), a primer on economics and personal finance designed for the interested lay person. His publications have appeared in both professional journals and popular media such as the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times. His Ph.D. in economics is from the University of Washington.
His current research focuses on the measurement and determination of factors that influence cross-country differences in income levels and growth rates. In this regard, he is the senior researcher responsible for the preparation of the annual report, Economic Freedom of the World, which provides information on the institutions and policies of 140 countries. This data set, published by a worldwide network of institutes in 70 countries, is widely used by scholars investigating topics ranging from economic growth to peaceful relations among nations. During 1999-2000, he served as Chief Economist of the Joint Economic Committee of the U. S. Congress. He was invited by the incoming Putin Administration in March 2000 to make presentations and have discussions with leading Russian economists concerning the future of the Russian economy. In 2004 he was the recipient of the Adam Smith Award of the Association of Private Enterprise Education for his contribution to the advancement of free market ideals. He is the current President of the Southern Economic Association.
His current research focuses on the measurement and determination of factors that influence cross-country differences in income levels and growth rates. In this regard, he is the senior researcher responsible for the preparation of the annual report, Economic Freedom of the World, which provides information on the institutions and policies of 140 countries. This data set, published by a worldwide network of institutes in 70 countries, is widely used by scholars investigating topics ranging from economic growth to peaceful relations among nations. During 1999-2000, he served as Chief Economist of the Joint Economic Committee of the U. S. Congress. He was invited by the incoming Putin Administration in March 2000 to make presentations and have discussions with leading Russian economists concerning the future of the Russian economy. In 2004 he was the recipient of the Adam Smith Award of the Association of Private Enterprise Education for his contribution to the advancement of free market ideals. He is the current President of the Southern Economic Association.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
March 2, 2019
This is a must-read book for everyone living in a capitalist country. Or real life, period. I think it would also be very nice if politicians read it before running a campaign, and voters read it before choosing said politicians. It's just a refreshing, no-nonsense and practical view of life and money.
See full review on my blog: https://agencyofbooksandspies.blogspo...
See full review on my blog: https://agencyofbooksandspies.blogspo...
February 22, 2012
I've read several books on economics (outside of college Econ. 101 and 102), or, more specifically, the Fed., the current dominant money system, co-ops and alternatives to current money system, and so forth, but this is one everyone should read. Why? Here's the author to let you in on a secret:
"We are a nation of economic illiterates. As a result, we are easily misled by leaders who tell us of their good intentions--their passion to solve our problems. Our democracy puts voters in charge of choosing our policy makers, so the consequences of economic illiteracy can be disastrous."
Oh, yes, boys and girls we are in the midst of a perfect example of that "disastrous" result of economic illiteracy. The author tells us that if we want to avoid disaster and want this country to be economically prosperous, read on. But there's more. There's a micro to the macro. The author also states that by reading we will be able to make better decisions regarding our "consumption, savings, investments, career alternatives, and many other dimensions of personal decision making."
As an aside, this book falls in line perfectly with a pet peeve or mind about education in general. I bring this up because this book is now being read by many in school and college, and they are learning more about economics than from most the 'text books' they are assigned. Why are we teaching science and math (most of high school curriculum) to 100% of the population when only 5% of jobs are in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, math). The majority of kids can't even master their behavior nor do they have the necessary attitudes to achieve in the work force or the needed success principles amongst other things to not only survive but thrive. So our focus is on material that most don't want or will ever use in their careers? And our 'education' predominantly omits how to build a businesses when this country is founded in entrepreneurship; even its founders were some of the most effect entrepreneurs this country has ever knows (Ben Franklin rich by age 40 via selling his printing franchise to have more time for inventing and statesmanship--fortunately for us). Our kids don't even know how to do research or how to think independently, creatively, intuitively, never mind know the first thing about economics that will help them make informed decisions that will hopefully keep this country out of the crapper. Finally, this book will help them with their individual finances, which is essential when I see the majority of college kids cluelessly racking up debt in loans and credit cards to a future of indentured servitude. Oh, yes, Mr. Gwartney, we certainly do need this book. PeacE!
"We are a nation of economic illiterates. As a result, we are easily misled by leaders who tell us of their good intentions--their passion to solve our problems. Our democracy puts voters in charge of choosing our policy makers, so the consequences of economic illiteracy can be disastrous."
Oh, yes, boys and girls we are in the midst of a perfect example of that "disastrous" result of economic illiteracy. The author tells us that if we want to avoid disaster and want this country to be economically prosperous, read on. But there's more. There's a micro to the macro. The author also states that by reading we will be able to make better decisions regarding our "consumption, savings, investments, career alternatives, and many other dimensions of personal decision making."
As an aside, this book falls in line perfectly with a pet peeve or mind about education in general. I bring this up because this book is now being read by many in school and college, and they are learning more about economics than from most the 'text books' they are assigned. Why are we teaching science and math (most of high school curriculum) to 100% of the population when only 5% of jobs are in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, math). The majority of kids can't even master their behavior nor do they have the necessary attitudes to achieve in the work force or the needed success principles amongst other things to not only survive but thrive. So our focus is on material that most don't want or will ever use in their careers? And our 'education' predominantly omits how to build a businesses when this country is founded in entrepreneurship; even its founders were some of the most effect entrepreneurs this country has ever knows (Ben Franklin rich by age 40 via selling his printing franchise to have more time for inventing and statesmanship--fortunately for us). Our kids don't even know how to do research or how to think independently, creatively, intuitively, never mind know the first thing about economics that will help them make informed decisions that will hopefully keep this country out of the crapper. Finally, this book will help them with their individual finances, which is essential when I see the majority of college kids cluelessly racking up debt in loans and credit cards to a future of indentured servitude. Oh, yes, Mr. Gwartney, we certainly do need this book. PeacE!
May 10, 2019
The only thing more insufferable than a religious zealot is a religious zealot who thinks he’s a scientist. This book reads like something between a slapdash, nontechnical summary of neoclassical economics and a gushing love letter to laissez faire capitalism. The authors don’t waste much time with nuance, controversy or hesitation; they just tell you how things are. Because they are experts on how the world works, they don’t need to bother providing rigorous empirical evidence to back up their claims, except in a few convenient cases where supporting evidence is available. I suppose they do a decent job of summarising neoliberal ideology but, better than that, they demonstrate the effectiveness with which neoclassical economics warps people’s notions of common sense. The authors are so busy fawning over the magical powers of markets and decrying government that they don’t have time to talk about the gigantic market failures of climate and biodiversity collapse that may well sweep civilisation off the face of the planet if we can’t rally our institutions in time. It is positively harrowing that the priests of this failed religion are allowed to educate students without warning them that the ‘common sense’ they are receiving is, in many way, just made up ideology. I recommend following this book up with Steve Keen’s ‘Debunking economics’, Kate Raworth’s ‘Doughnut economics’ and Herman Daly’s ‘Ecological Economics’, to remind oneself that empirical evidence, and genuinely scientific theories firmly grounded in it, are more effective measures of reality than ‘common sense’.
November 2, 2014
Had to read this for an economics course, probably the worst book I ever read. It reads more like political talking points filled with meaningless drivel filled with bumper sticker slogans.
May 5, 2015
This economics book explains the classic laissez-faire theory. However, it does not do a good job in explaining the deficiencies and problems in this approach.
October 6, 2012
This is an excellent introduction to basic economic principles. As the authors point out, we live in a nation of economic illiterates, and given the current political and economic environment, clear thinking about economics has never been more important. This book introduces the key ideas and issues and presents a clear explanation of what works and what doesn't in the real world. While not everyone will agree with all the specifics, I know of no book that better introduces the concepts and presents a better, more accessible argument about sound economics.
January 11, 2015
This is one of those books that should be on every persons book shelf, dog-eared and underlined. I learned more economic principle in the 160 pages of this book than the 800 pages of a well known author's book that I simply could not finish. I needed straight talk not high theory. This book is practical and effectively covers what you need to know about the core economic principles of free markets; how economic forces function, the economic role of government, and personal principles of prosperity. It still is written by economist's with an intent to inform and educate, but read this and then watch the world stage in a newly informed perspective. In fact, read it twice!
January 22, 2009
A top-notch primer on economic theory and application. Well-organized and easy to understand, the book covers basic theory, macroeconomic application proposals, and microeconomic (i.e. personal finance) applications.
The only criticism I have is the authors' sanguine view of central banking and the policy of money supply management. This comes from my recently started the study of Austrian Economic Theory.
The only criticism I have is the authors' sanguine view of central banking and the policy of money supply management. This comes from my recently started the study of Austrian Economic Theory.
August 29, 2018
Wow, what an incredible book. It's the best I've read on economics to date. The book is broken up into four sections: key elements of economics, sources of economic progress, economics and government, and personal finance. It was hard to find anything I disagreed with. The authors teach a "free-market" economic system. Read it in my Introduction to Economics class at Moody Bible Institute.
April 22, 2023
Knjiga je zadovoljila moju znatiželju u smislu čitanja onoga što već znam, upotpunjavanja znanja o ličnim finansijama i generalno želje da se priča i čita o ekonomiji (podupreta simpatisanjem yt kanala The Financial Diet). Iako su ekonomisti ove knjige podržavaoci slobodnog tržišta, moja ocena je slabo promenjena tim ''nepromišljenim stavom''.
March 25, 2019
Quick read, great refresher of a wide variety of important concepts in economics. Has a useful section at the end for practical personal finance advice. It's a bit unabashedly gung-ho for capitalism with libertarian streaks, which is all very nice in theory…
November 9, 2021
This book is a great polemic for neoclassical or laissez-faire of economics. However, in their analysis, the authors often leave out shortcomings of their policy suggestions.
I mean, free market, small government, low taxes, all good and fine. But at no point in the book are the limitations of their precious, untouchable free markets even mentioned.
Nevertheless, the book contains some of what is promised, that is, common sense economics. However, it is intervowen into a text containing lots of assumptions and oversimplifications.
In essence, if you decide to read only one book on economics, don't make it this one.
I mean, free market, small government, low taxes, all good and fine. But at no point in the book are the limitations of their precious, untouchable free markets even mentioned.
Nevertheless, the book contains some of what is promised, that is, common sense economics. However, it is intervowen into a text containing lots of assumptions and oversimplifications.
In essence, if you decide to read only one book on economics, don't make it this one.
October 8, 2023
برخلاف ادعای مقدمه، این اثری به زبان ساده درباره اقتصاد نیست، بلکه مفاهیم اقتصادی را بسیار سطحی ارائه داده و در واقع ماستمالی کرده است. کتاب برای خوانندگان امریکایی نگاشته شده و در واقع طرفدار یکی از احزاب سیاسی امریکاست و در توجیه سیاستهای آن حزب سخن میراند. به همین دلیل مثالهای بیربط به موضوع دارد و باز به همین دلیل تاریخ مصرف آن به زودی به سر خواهد رسید.
ترجمه به طرز حیرتآوری از اصل کتاب دور است. گویی مترجمین کتاب را یک دور خواندند، آن را بستند و برداشت خود از مطالب را نوشتند؛ آنجاهایی که نفهمیدند را ترجمه نکردند و چیزهایی که خوششان میآمد را اضافه کردند.
ترجمه به طرز حیرتآوری از اصل کتاب دور است. گویی مترجمین کتاب را یک دور خواندند، آن را بستند و برداشت خود از مطالب را نوشتند؛ آنجاهایی که نفهمیدند را ترجمه نکردند و چیزهایی که خوششان میآمد را اضافه کردند.
August 4, 2017
One star for clarity: clear from their first list of principles they are fanatically right-wing. According to the cover, this frightening piece of fiction is being used to indoctrinate high schoolers. They prop up Sam Walton as a hero, don't mention workers, casually drop in Hayak's Nobel Prize, and quote Roosevelt from 1932 before he changed his mind, taxed the rich at 93% and did much better. An astonishing work of sophistry top to bottom.
July 29, 2019
tfw you want to read a book explaining some basic economic concepts but instead the book tells you to abolish public schools because markets
some of the arguments are indeed grounded in common sense, and the personal finance section of the book is pretty informative, but the authors make a LOT of assumptions based on a few statistics and fail to engage with the harms of any of the policies they approve of.
some of the arguments are indeed grounded in common sense, and the personal finance section of the book is pretty informative, but the authors make a LOT of assumptions based on a few statistics and fail to engage with the harms of any of the policies they approve of.
January 27, 2015
This little treasure should be mandatory reading for all Americans who desire a return to prosperity for our great country. If you apply what you'll learn reading this book, you'll make better decisions for the rest of your life.
April 30, 2018
Good refresher on the basics in this day and age of economics with an agenda.
May 8, 2018
Everyday economy
This book teaches you about the structure of economy and would a recommendation for anyone. This book also gives you a platform to build yourself on.
This book teaches you about the structure of economy and would a recommendation for anyone. This book also gives you a platform to build yourself on.
June 27, 2018
Written in simple language. Book is really nice to understand the functioning of the economy.
January 20, 2019
A concise summary of conservative economics.
December 30, 2021
Передо мной оказалась али-ктронная версия, вышедшая в 2020 году, з українським перекладом, и предлагаемая для свободного скачивания: даже если бы у меня сохранилась ссылка, я бы не стала ею делиться, объяснив нежелание выражением одного, возможно, кому-то известного, а кому-то и свойственного лица (https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/...)
По прочтении вспоминаются слова Честертона, риск перевирания цитаты чьей всё ещё невысок: to the new politician his dream is not only a dream, it is reality - (нездоровая) рассудительность позволяет произвести замену наименования одной, обладающей некоторой властью профессии, другой, обладающей властью другого сорта ('politican' to 'economist'). Однако экономистами и политиками дело далеко не ограничивается - есть ещё психологи, социологи, антропологи, физики с астрами и без, научные популяризаторы всех мастей и пород, журналисты, народные артисты, не имеющие понятия о том, к какому народу и когда они были причислены, эрудиты, учёные-теологи, неучёные-теологи, теологи-атеисты, атеисты-попы, терорристы-ретрограды, абстрактные активисты, CEO, блогеры и студенты (список продлевать на своё усмотрение): гуру, не гуру, не суть важно - для 2-месячной дрессировки консультанта мечта становится не только "мечтой", но и реальностью, независимой от мечт и реальностей клиентуры, реальностью, включающей клиентские потуги в область своего влияния, благодаря инвариантности методик ("позитивное мышление", "отказ от токсичности", "эгоистичный ген", art of not giving a fuck, такое прочее). Всеобщее существование в "мечте" как "реальности", конечно, не предполагает реализации первой и повышения качественной ценности второй. Ни того, ни другого никто и никогда не стал бы обещать.
В целом, текст доступен будет и учащемуся среднеобразовательной школы (не успевшей "переквалифицироваться" в гимназию, лицей, колледж), если только у него достало "сумлінності" вивчати Історію України з 5 по 7 клас.
В значительной мере именно на "сумлінну особистість" рассчитано чтение подобной литературы: с одной стороны, это хорошо, так как "комсомольцы" обучатся тому, как можно избегать налогов, тому, как не позволять государству централизоваться (после чего остаётся дождаться благополучного вырождения комсомольцев); с другой - уклонение от налогов будет только способствовать укреплению функционирования персон и структур с представленным выше выражением на морщинистых либо по-президентски отглаженных физиономиях. Экономисты, можно быть уверенным, никогда не научат, как уклоняться от недостатков свободной торговли - потому что у последней, в Картине Мира фон Хайека, нет недостатков. Всё, к чему привязывают словцо "свобода" отчего-то рассматривается, в крайнем случае, как явление, находящееся в шаге от совершенства. Всё, к чему привязывается словцо "торговля" совершенно непредсказуемо оказывается созвучным понятию "свободы".
Дело ли в том, что я никак не задействована в освобождении торговли либо пропаганде неограниченного оборота свобод?
Из возникших примечаний в блокнотике, сваливаемых здесь в одну кучу:
"Чи дійсно банкрутство вивільняє ресурси? Чого усім разом не збанкрутувати тоді?! Я вже! Корреляция между уровнем жизни и сокращением трансакционных трат не слишком отчётлива; что за идиотская привычка приводить примеры из советских учебников? Перед внутренним взором встаёт Саакашвили, обсасывающий мороженое в вафельном рожке. И не спросишь ведь, что за вкус служит причиной такой самозабвенности - телохранители, озлобленные, оставшиеся без мороженого, с пластиковыми стаканчиками, где в восьмой раз перезавариваются пакетики ароматизированной чайной пыли (лимон в одном, малина в другом), доставшиеся в качестве заработной платы от получающего очередное гражданство Михаила. А ведь в это самое время для кого-то, поглощающего остатки позавчерашнего борщизма у запыленного экрана, Михаил является голодающим полит-заключённым! Почему, в конце концов, не галстуки? Почему не голубые крови Люксембурга и памперсы? Почему не ирокезы и "Завтрак туриста"? Ведь так много общего между чувством юмора и экономикой - не огрызок, а огромное аппетитное яблоко Магритта!"
...
М-да, вместо анекдотов, тут посредственные комиксы из брошюр, рекламирующих Сайентологию, Кришну и Сандея Аделаджу с равным успехом.
По прочтении вспоминаются слова Честертона, риск перевирания цитаты чьей всё ещё невысок: to the new politician his dream is not only a dream, it is reality - (нездоровая) рассудительность позволяет произвести замену наименования одной, обладающей некоторой властью профессии, другой, обладающей властью другого сорта ('politican' to 'economist'). Однако экономистами и политиками дело далеко не ограничивается - есть ещё психологи, социологи, антропологи, физики с астрами и без, научные популяризаторы всех мастей и пород, журналисты, народные артисты, не имеющие понятия о том, к какому народу и когда они были причислены, эрудиты, учёные-теологи, неучёные-теологи, теологи-атеисты, атеисты-попы, терорристы-ретрограды, абстрактные активисты, CEO, блогеры и студенты (список продлевать на своё усмотрение): гуру, не гуру, не суть важно - для 2-месячной дрессировки консультанта мечта становится не только "мечтой", но и реальностью, независимой от мечт и реальностей клиентуры, реальностью, включающей клиентские потуги в область своего влияния, благодаря инвариантности методик ("позитивное мышление", "отказ от токсичности", "эгоистичный ген", art of not giving a fuck, такое прочее). Всеобщее существование в "мечте" как "реальности", конечно, не предполагает реализации первой и повышения качественной ценности второй. Ни того, ни другого никто и никогда не стал бы обещать.
В целом, текст доступен будет и учащемуся среднеобразовательной школы (не успевшей "переквалифицироваться" в гимназию, лицей, колледж), если только у него достало "сумлінності" вивчати Історію України з 5 по 7 клас.
В значительной мере именно на "сумлінну особистість" рассчитано чтение подобной литературы: с одной стороны, это хорошо, так как "комсомольцы" обучатся тому, как можно избегать налогов, тому, как не позволять государству централизоваться (после чего остаётся дождаться благополучного вырождения комсомольцев); с другой - уклонение от налогов будет только способствовать укреплению функционирования персон и структур с представленным выше выражением на морщинистых либо по-президентски отглаженных физиономиях. Экономисты, можно быть уверенным, никогда не научат, как уклоняться от недостатков свободной торговли - потому что у последней, в Картине Мира фон Хайека, нет недостатков. Всё, к чему привязывают словцо "свобода" отчего-то рассматривается, в крайнем случае, как явление, находящееся в шаге от совершенства. Всё, к чему привязывается словцо "торговля" совершенно непредсказуемо оказывается созвучным понятию "свободы".
Дело ли в том, что я никак не задействована в освобождении торговли либо пропаганде неограниченного оборота свобод?
Из возникших примечаний в блокнотике, сваливаемых здесь в одну кучу:
"Чи дійсно банкрутство вивільняє ресурси? Чого усім разом не збанкрутувати тоді?! Я вже! Корреляция между уровнем жизни и сокращением трансакционных трат не слишком отчётлива; что за идиотская привычка приводить примеры из советских учебников? Перед внутренним взором встаёт Саакашвили, обсасывающий мороженое в вафельном рожке. И не спросишь ведь, что за вкус служит причиной такой самозабвенности - телохранители, озлобленные, оставшиеся без мороженого, с пластиковыми стаканчиками, где в восьмой раз перезавариваются пакетики ароматизированной чайной пыли (лимон в одном, малина в другом), доставшиеся в качестве заработной платы от получающего очередное гражданство Михаила. А ведь в это самое время для кого-то, поглощающего остатки позавчерашнего борщизма у запыленного экрана, Михаил является голодающим полит-заключённым! Почему, в конце концов, не галстуки? Почему не голубые крови Люксембурга и памперсы? Почему не ирокезы и "Завтрак туриста"? Ведь так много общего между чувством юмора и экономикой - не огрызок, а огромное аппетитное яблоко Магритта!"
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М-да, вместо анекдотов, тут посредственные комиксы из брошюр, рекламирующих Сайентологию, Кришну и Сандея Аделаджу с равным успехом.
October 25, 2022
"Mantiqiy iqtisodiyot" (Common sense economics ) kitobi haqida.
Mualliflar: Jeyms D. Guortini, Richard L. Stroup, Duayt R. Li, Tauni H. Ferrarini, Josef P. Kalhun, Rendall K. Fayler.
Hozirgi zamonaviy iqtisodiyotni tushunish uchun juda qulay kitob ekan. Ayniqsa, iqtisodni yaxshi tushunmaydigan yoki endi o‘rganishni boshlagan insonlar uchun ancha foydali. Kitob bozor iqtisodiyoti bo‘yicha tizimlar qanday ishlashini tushuntiradi. Hech qaysi siyosatga yon bosilmagan, siyosatlarga iqtisod ko‘zi bilan qaralgan, hatto demokratik tuzumning iqtisodiyotga salbiy ta‘sirlari ham bayon qilingan.
Kitobdan iqtiboslar:
Odamlar boshqalarga qadrli bo'lgan narsalarni yaratish orqali daromad topadi.
Ba'zi mamlakatlar izchil islohotlarni tez boshlagan bo'lsa (masalan, Estoniya), boshqalarida rahbariyatning aksariyatini sobiq kommunistlar tashkil etgan (O'zbekiston).
Siyosat, ayniqsa qo'llab-quvvatlashga erishish, ataylabdan aldash san'atini yoki, aniqroq aytganda, qo'lga tushmasdan aldashni anglatadi.
Jeyms R. Shlezinger, Qo'shma Shtatlarining sobiq mudofaa vaziri
Shaxslar uchun boylikka erishishning ikki xil yo'li mavjud: ishlab chiqarish va noqonuniy o'zlashtirish.
Ammo zamonaviy dunyoda davlatning o'zi noqonuniy o'zlashtirishning asosiy manbaiga aylandi.
Bozorlar o'rnini siyosat egallashi bilan iqtisodiyotda urug-aymoqchilik va samarasiz faoliyat turlari ko'paydi va iqtisodiy o'sish potensiali pasayadi.
Davlatning ko'rsatuvlarni nazorat qilinishi va ulardan tashviqot uchun foydalanishi ko'p mamlakatlarning muammosidir. Yana bir xavotirli tendentsiya bu badavlat siyosatchilarning o'z gazetalari, telekanallari va radio stantsiyalarini sotib olishidir.
Savdo erkinligi so'z va din erkinligi kabi insonning asosiy huquqlaridan biridir.
Yaxshi hayot faqat yaxshi daromad topishda iborat emas. Baxtli hayot kechirish uchun muvaffaqiyatli turmush, oila, do'stlar, qoniqarli ish, diniy e'tiqod va sevimli mashg'ulot kabi moliyaviy aktivlar bo'lmagan omillar puldan ham muhimroq.
Mualliflar: Jeyms D. Guortini, Richard L. Stroup, Duayt R. Li, Tauni H. Ferrarini, Josef P. Kalhun, Rendall K. Fayler.
Hozirgi zamonaviy iqtisodiyotni tushunish uchun juda qulay kitob ekan. Ayniqsa, iqtisodni yaxshi tushunmaydigan yoki endi o‘rganishni boshlagan insonlar uchun ancha foydali. Kitob bozor iqtisodiyoti bo‘yicha tizimlar qanday ishlashini tushuntiradi. Hech qaysi siyosatga yon bosilmagan, siyosatlarga iqtisod ko‘zi bilan qaralgan, hatto demokratik tuzumning iqtisodiyotga salbiy ta‘sirlari ham bayon qilingan.
Kitobdan iqtiboslar:
Odamlar boshqalarga qadrli bo'lgan narsalarni yaratish orqali daromad topadi.
Ba'zi mamlakatlar izchil islohotlarni tez boshlagan bo'lsa (masalan, Estoniya), boshqalarida rahbariyatning aksariyatini sobiq kommunistlar tashkil etgan (O'zbekiston).
Siyosat, ayniqsa qo'llab-quvvatlashga erishish, ataylabdan aldash san'atini yoki, aniqroq aytganda, qo'lga tushmasdan aldashni anglatadi.
Jeyms R. Shlezinger, Qo'shma Shtatlarining sobiq mudofaa vaziri
Shaxslar uchun boylikka erishishning ikki xil yo'li mavjud: ishlab chiqarish va noqonuniy o'zlashtirish.
Ammo zamonaviy dunyoda davlatning o'zi noqonuniy o'zlashtirishning asosiy manbaiga aylandi.
Bozorlar o'rnini siyosat egallashi bilan iqtisodiyotda urug-aymoqchilik va samarasiz faoliyat turlari ko'paydi va iqtisodiy o'sish potensiali pasayadi.
Davlatning ko'rsatuvlarni nazorat qilinishi va ulardan tashviqot uchun foydalanishi ko'p mamlakatlarning muammosidir. Yana bir xavotirli tendentsiya bu badavlat siyosatchilarning o'z gazetalari, telekanallari va radio stantsiyalarini sotib olishidir.
Savdo erkinligi so'z va din erkinligi kabi insonning asosiy huquqlaridan biridir.
Yaxshi hayot faqat yaxshi daromad topishda iborat emas. Baxtli hayot kechirish uchun muvaffaqiyatli turmush, oila, do'stlar, qoniqarli ish, diniy e'tiqod va sevimli mashg'ulot kabi moliyaviy aktivlar bo'lmagan omillar puldan ham muhimroq.
May 22, 2023
'Common Sense Economics' bills itself as an economic primer, but it's more of a long-form economic/political argument. It concludes with a chapter on personal finance that would be useful for a young person, but that probably doesn't have much to say to the type of person who'd buy or borrow this book in the first place.
As a long-form economic/political argument, it's basically Friedman/Stigler for a general readership. Unfortunately, it assumes a general readership with generally conservative or libertarian leanings and makes little effort to persuade those who may come to the material from a different perspective. The book assumes that its perspective is the common sense perspective, and it takes no time to seriously consider other points of view.
As a primer on personal finance, it's straight down the middle. It gives the kind of advice any financial consultant would provide, such as leveraging compound interest and avoiding consuming debt. I'd give that chapter to a twenty-year-old, but it doesn't have much to say to those whose financial houses are already in order.
Overall, I think this is an average book. It makes a fair, if not particularly rigorous, argument. It provides solid and unobjectionable advice. It may be of interest to those already inclined to agree with it.
As a long-form economic/political argument, it's basically Friedman/Stigler for a general readership. Unfortunately, it assumes a general readership with generally conservative or libertarian leanings and makes little effort to persuade those who may come to the material from a different perspective. The book assumes that its perspective is the common sense perspective, and it takes no time to seriously consider other points of view.
As a primer on personal finance, it's straight down the middle. It gives the kind of advice any financial consultant would provide, such as leveraging compound interest and avoiding consuming debt. I'd give that chapter to a twenty-year-old, but it doesn't have much to say to those whose financial houses are already in order.
Overall, I think this is an average book. It makes a fair, if not particularly rigorous, argument. It provides solid and unobjectionable advice. It may be of interest to those already inclined to agree with it.
August 20, 2021
If this is the best we have to offer people about understanding economics, it is no wonder that things go wrong. There are a few good points made in this book, to be fair. But, the real problem is the underlying assumption that people make rational business decisions, and if we could all be like the ideal business man we would have a perfect world. The authors do not believe the government should be involved in anything than defense and the common good, but certainly not doing anything that would prevent business from how they want to operate. People do not make rational decisions in business or other aspects of their lives, and we need economic primers that acknowledge that fact. Do not read or buy. I would give it less than 1 star if I could.
August 15, 2022
This book was well laid out for those not well versed in Economics. It all made a great deal of of sense and are recommendations that I followed my full life. I could have written the book as I agreed with most every thing recommended. I am in my 70's and in good financial shape because of the many decisions I and my wife made starting at a very young age. This book should be read by all young people. I am not as optimistic as the authors in regards to making changes to our constitution, as there have been no changes to it in over 60 years and I don't see were it will be possible to make needed changes to it in the near future.
October 13, 2023
terrific econ primer. if you've gone through econ 101 or if you've read your sowell & friedman, you're not going to find anything new here. but if you want to brush up, if you're a non-expert just looking to make sure you have all the arrows in your quiver for properly arguing for the supremacy of capitalism & free trade, this is a very nice, efficient summary.
very pacey & briskly written. i could have done without that 'econ principles applied to your personal life' section at the end, but i'm not going to penalize what's an otherwise perfect little read for that.
capitalism always wins, commies.
very pacey & briskly written. i could have done without that 'econ principles applied to your personal life' section at the end, but i'm not going to penalize what's an otherwise perfect little read for that.
capitalism always wins, commies.
October 5, 2020
This book has opened my eyes to so many different ideas and concepts, making me realize that what we want sometimes is contrary to what we need. I learned how free trade can create a very successful countries, how we are taking part in trade-offs and opportunity cost every single day, how risks and failures allows businesses to grow, how a command economy leaves less motivation for workers to work hard, and sound decisions are made. It truly left me thinking if politicians ever had an economics course.
I read this for AP Economics my junior year
I read this for AP Economics my junior year
January 22, 2024
Though seemingly a stance on libertarianism, this book portrays all four aspects of daily society in a clear and concise manner that is easy to understand. This book displays clearly why economics is known as the science of common sense. However your personal opinions sway, I do think it is important to read this book, especially part 3, because differing opinions create a holistic person. Even if every page you find yourself saying "Thats dumb" this is still a must read. At 170 pages, it is a quick read, but once finished, the book will leave you asking why you didn't think this way sooner.
October 1, 2020
While I do not agree with everything in this book; I still think that it is a great resource for a foundation of economic knowledge. I really appreciate the author's I deal based on their years of experience teaching and colleges so they can condense the ideas down without the formulas without the graphs and cut to the heart of the matter so that people not intrested and an economics degree can understand and determine these things for themselves.
December 9, 2023
Informative, readable… and very neoliberal. The authors come from a point of view in which I have some deep disagreements. It nevertheless remains true that capitalist economics is an extraordinarily influential science in today’s world. It is important to learn about it, even if these authors have perspectives with which we might have problems. I certainly had some of my own biases challenged, and I was intellectually rewarded for it.
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