Capitalism and Freedom [Hardcover]

Milton Friedman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1962

#10 on National Review's List of the 100 Best Nonfiction Books of the Century

Milton Friedman argues that the appropriate role of competitive capitalism occurs when the majority of our economic activity flows through private enterprise within a free market environment. This is unequivocally the most effective device for achieving economic freedom, as well as the necessary condition in which political freedom can be attained. Friedman's arguments are positively bold, enlightening, and impacting. Among the specific topics he addresses are ''The Control of Money,'' ''Fiscal Policy,'' ''Capitalism and Discrimination,'' and ''Social Welfare Measures.''

--This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

''Milton Friedman is one of the nation's outstanding economists, distinguished for remarkable analytical powers and technical virtuosity. He is unfailingly enlightening, independent, courageous, penetrating, and above all, stimulating.'' --Newsweek

''Edwards is a straightforward narrator, and the essays lend themselves to reading aloud because they began as lectures.'' --Talking Book Review --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

About the Author

MILTON FRIEDMAN, (1912-2006), was perhaps the most influential economist of the twentieth century. Professor, columnist, author and advisor, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1976. --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: University of Chicago Press (December 1962)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0226264009
• ISBN-13: 978-0226264004
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,496,527 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Capitalism and Freedom, January 7, 2009

By 

Franklin A. Resch "Zrrothustrata" (Stow, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

The markets operate reflecting the wisdom of collective thought. Individuals lack the ability to know everything, even though, they believe they do. When a trend is detected in the market and interference is made to take advantage of that trend, the market will adjust to that trend and create an entirely new outcome rather than the one expected. When the market is allowed to operate freely, more freedom is created, which allows the collective thought to have many more solutions to an immediate problem. When the individuals manipulate the market and rely on additional converts to help solve the problem, the market will not agree, because all the solutions are not being presented to cause equalibrim. The perceived "smart" individuals eliminate the opposite side of equalibrium, sometimes ruthlessly, causing all perceived unfair markets to act even more unfairly. Free markets reflect those aspects that can bring about the greatest justice, even though, pain and pleasure will take place. This causes the self-interest of more people to contribute more solutions by those who feel their survival(self-interest) is better achieved. Capitalism allows charity to work. You cannot legislate it, because the self-interest of the free market allows a more equitable distribution of those things that individuals believe to be in their best interest.