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Economics in One Lesson: The Shortest and Surest Way to Understand Basic Economics Audiobook
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A million-copy seller, Henry Hazlitt’s Economics in One Lesson is a classic economic primer. But it is also much more, having become a fundamental influence on modern “libertarian” economics of the type espoused by Ron Paul and others. Called by H. L. Mencken “one of the few economists in history who could really write,” Henry Hazlitt achieved lasting fame for this brilliant but concise work. In it, he explains basic truths about economics and the economic fallacies responsible for unemployment, inflation, high taxes, and recession, as well as illustrating the destructive effects of taxes, rent and price controls, inflation, trade restrictions, and minimum-wage laws.
Economics in One Lesson is deceptively prescient and far-reaching in its efforts to dissemble economic fallacies that are so prevalent they have almost become a new orthodoxy. Many current economic commentators across the political spectrum have credited Hazlitt with foreseeing the collapse of the global economy, which occurred more than fifty years after the initial publication of this seminal work. Hazlitt’s focus on non-governmental solutions, strong—and strongly reasoned—antideficit position, and general emphasis on free markets, economic liberty of individuals, and the dangers of government intervention make Economics in One Lesson every bit as relevant and valuable today as it has been since publication.
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"Hazlitt exposes one of the basic fallacies in economic policy: Most policies are made for one group of people and only look at short term results. He argues economic policies should be made with all groups in mind and should look at long term results. It contains a lot of common sense economic wisdom. He repeats himself as he shows how the fallacy works itself out in various governmental policies. I found it eye-opening."
— Peter (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“A magnificent job of theoretical exposition.”
— Ayn Rand -
“There is no other modern book from which the intelligent layman can learn so much about the basic truths of economics in so short a time.”
— F. A. Hayek, Nobel Prize–winning economist -
“If there were a Nobel Prize for clear economic thinking, Mr. Hazlitt’s book would be a worthy recipient…like a surgeon’s scalpel, it cuts through…much of the economic nonsense that has been written in recent years about our economic ailments.”
— J. W. Hanes, former undersecretary of the treasury -
“Hazlitt was a remarkably lucid writer, and this short book is justly regarded as a classic…But it comes across even better in Jeff Riggenbach’s interpretation. Riggenbach has a knack for making routine discursive sentences come alive…He sounds reasonable, engaging and thoroughly likeable.”
— AudioFile
Economics in One Lesson Listener Reviews
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John Hembling, 11/7/2021
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" An excellent book that explains the fundamentals of economics in very understandable terms. This should be required reading for anyone elected to the U.S. Congress. A true classic! "
— MarkM, 11/30/2016 -
" Considering I've never been a fan of the study of economics, this book made the process so much more enjoyable. It's amazing what can happen when a journalist writes about the subject rather than an economist. "
— Andria, 2/19/2014 -
" "Economics, as we have now seen again and again, is a science of recognizing SECONDARY consequences. It is also a science of seeing GENERAL consequences. It is the science of tracing the effects of some proposed or existing policy not only on some SPECIAL interest IN THE SHORT RUN, but on the GENERAL interest IN THE LONG RUN." "
— Martha, 2/6/2014 -
" 50% gold + 50% repetition "
— Frank, 2/2/2014 -
" This is a great book. Some really good clear thinking. Occasionally he loses sight of his own zero-sum analysis angle and weak conclusions ensue, but overall it is an excellent dissection and skewering of common economic beliefs and practices that are base on fallacies. It is as relevant now as when it was written decades ago. Maybe more so. "
— Jim, 1/29/2014 -
" Economics and I just don't seem to get along, but this book helped put some of the more common concepts in perspective for me. It is written in plain language, and it can be read quickly so that the reader can glean a broad overview without feeling overwhelmed. "
— Dawn, 1/24/2014 -
" Once more into the breach, my friends! We're reading this again this semester for weekly book discussions in my home. This book is a classic, definitely worth rereading! "
— Melinda, 1/20/2014 -
" Title says it all. Hazlitt basically tackles a lot of fallacies in popular economic thought - primarily the idea that any sort of gov't favoritism is good. "
— Benjamin, 12/30/2013 -
" FANTASTIC! All of the politicians that voted YES on the bailout should be forced to read this primer prior to another bailout proposition. Let them learn from the mistakes of yesteryear! "
— Waxy, 12/21/2013 -
" An easy to grasp, insightful introduction to economics. "
— Jimmy, 12/18/2013 -
" Today's politicians needed to read this book, not me. "
— Grim-Anal, 11/20/2013 -
" Every thinking person needs to read and re-read this book. "
— Andy, 11/16/2013 -
" Good book for starters, and does justify it's title! "
— Aditya, 11/8/2013 -
" An easy read but worthwhile. The first 2 chapters lays a foundation and then then is applied to practical issues. He makes a strong case for capitalism and freedom. "
— Lostinanovel, 9/28/2013 -
" Loved this book. Every politician should be required to read this before making more idiotic decisions that compromise the integrity of our economy. A well written book with insightful examples that are still relevant today. "
— Erik, 9/18/2013 -
" This is the classic popular explanation of economics, written by a journalist rather than an economist. Well worth the read. If you don't read any other part of it, read The Lesson. "
— Bill, 8/22/2013 -
" I thought this was one of, if not the best book on economics. I'd highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in this area of study. "
— Ryan, 7/7/2013 -
" This is the book that opened my eyes to economic thinking. I knew absolutely nothing of economics before I read this book. Now I'm more passionate about economics than about almost anything else. Very highly recommended. "
— Josh, 6/12/2013 -
" While a bit outdated, provides a good way for those with no knowledge of economics to get a decent foundation in understanding how the economy works (or doesn't work, or shouldn't work). "
— Rebecca, 6/1/2013 -
" One of the best books ever to get people to start thinking about things from an economic point of view. Available free online, everyone should read this book. "
— Don, 2/6/2013 -
" This is not the dry textbook you had in school. Hazlit does an excellent job of making economics accessible to everyone. Furthermore, he points out the fallacious Keynesian economics we were taught in school. This is the real free-market economics. "
— Ken, 1/14/2013 -
" Economics in One Lesson is a landmark text. Hazlitt explains sound economics with clarity, precision, and common sense. I highly recommend this book to any citizen concerned about our present state of affairs. "
— José, 8/5/2012 -
" Not perfect, but a very good introduction to the classical economic thought which typifies the modern libertarian movement. "
— Dave, 2/11/2012 -
" I can't say that economics is my favorite subject, but I thought I would read this before taking a required economics class. This book really helped. Basic concepts were explained very well. This is a great introduction to the subject. "
— Ken, 11/14/2011 -
" The book is not weighed down with lots of numbers; the author uses practical and understandable examples to illustrate how the economics work and how it is affected by government policies. Well worth reading for a clearer understanding of these muddy waters. "
— Jennifer, 11/1/2011 -
" This is a really great book that explores basic economics. It is very clear and easy to read. I HIGHLY recommend it for anyone. "
— Colleen, 6/19/2011 -
" Every thinking person needs to read and re-read this book. "
— Andy, 5/20/2011 -
" Off with the head of Maynard Keynes! "
— Guy, 4/17/2011 -
" Very interesting approach to describe economics and many widespread fallacies about it - including fixed wages and prices, inflations and export/import policies. Nice to read. "
— Mik, 1/29/2011 -
" I think every citizen should read this book. I learned a lot about economics, but it was simple enough that I didn't consider it burdensome reading. "
— Larissacherpeski, 1/13/2011 -
" I think the world would be a better place if everyone took the time to read this. Its not the most intriguing book to read, but I do fel like I learned a lot. "
— Chere, 1/6/2011 -
" Title says it all. Hazlitt basically tackles a lot of fallacies in popular economic thought - primarily the idea that any sort of gov't favoritism is good. "
— Benjamin, 1/6/2011 -
" This is the first book to read, if you want to understand economics. Sowell's "Basic Economics" is the second. "
— Nedland, 12/11/2010
About Henry Hazlitt
Henry Hazlitt (1894–1993), was a libertarian philosopher, an economist, and a journalist for the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and Newsweek, among other publications. He was the founding vice-president of the Foundation for Economic Education and an early editor of The Freeman magazine. He wrote several books and is most well known for his book Economics in One Lesson.
About Jeff Riggenbach
Jeff Riggenbach (1947-2021) narrated numerous titles for Blackstone Audio and won an AudioFile Earphones Award. An author, contributing editor, and producer, he worked in radio in San Francisco for more than thirty years, earning a Golden Mike Award for journalistic excellence.