Economics Does Not Lie: A Defense of the Free Market in a Time of Crisis [Hardcover]

Guy Sorman (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1594032548 | ISBN-13: 978-1594032547 | Publication Date: July 20, 2009

In the 20th century, privatization and market capitalism have reconstructed Eastern Europe and lifted 800 million people - in China, Brazil, and India - out of poverty. In Economics Does Not Lie, noted French journalist Guy Sorman reveals that behind this unprecedented growth is not only the collapse of state socialism but also a scientific revolution in economics - one that is as of yet dimly understood by the public but increasingly embraced by policymakers around the globe.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 250 pages
• Publisher: Encounter Books (July 20, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1594032548
• ISBN-13: 978-1594032547
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #965,761 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A refreshing perspective from a non-American, November 24, 2009

By 

Erik Eisel (Huntington Beach, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Economics Does Not Lie: A Defense of the Free Market in a Time of Crisis (Hardcover)

First of all, anyone who appreciates Thomas Sowell's clear writing on economic issues will appreciate and should immediately purchase Guy Sorman's Economics Does Not Lie. Like Sowell, Sorman offers clear arguments about the free-markets and reminds us why this system works. In comparison to Sowell, however, who often justifies the free-market system in terms of human nature, i.e. the free-market system "works" because it is congruous with human nature, Sorman emphasizes that the free-market system works, because it does not "lie," i.e. it follows scientific principles that are based on truth and are falsifiable. Finally, what I appreciated about Sorman's book was his "international" perspective. In the first part of his book, Sorman interviews economists around the world (Europe, Scandinavia, Latin America) who share his appreciation of the free-market system. In the second half of his book, Sorman takes us on a whirlwind world tour, demonstrating how countries, like Chile, have benefitted from the application of these principles, whereas, countries, like Argentina, suffer "unnecessarily" from ignoring them.

28 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Useful Material for Laymen, July 15, 2009

By 

Bernard Chapin "Ora Et Labora!" (CHICAGO! USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Economics Does Not Lie: A Defense of the Free Market in a Time of Crisis (Hardcover)

Well, first off, most of my writing concerns culture and I'm always looking for educational sources that can bolster my knowledge of economics and I certainly found one here in Guy Sorman's defense of the free market. What's the answer to our current crisis? More government spending--no, just kidding. It's allowing the people to keep the money that they earn. That's the true meaning of social justice. We need that mentality instilled in our leadership...now more than ever! Due to my own interests, the last chapter, "Will the Greenhouse Effect Leave Us Broke," was the one I found most valuable. With somehow perfect timing, the House just passed Cap and Steal so Sorman's commentary is very topical. There's no question that leftist attempts to sabotage our economy in the name of saving the world are a total boondoggle and I found his solution--allow for innovation--inspiring. I also thought his deconstruction of Nicholas Stern was outstanding. The whole book is great though.

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Si monumentum requiris, circumspice, August 29, 2009

By 

D. W. MacKenzie (New London CT) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Economics Does Not Lie: A Defense of the Free Market in a Time of Crisis (Hardcover)

Economics does not lie is like a timely book. People are moving to roll back the free market amidst crisis, but Sorman provides good reasons to resist this trend. Sorman effectively puts the current crisis in perspective. Does the overall track record of Capitalism warrant large increases in government regulation and spending? Are cycles and periodic crises inevitable?

While I do disagree with some elements of this book, this mostly concerns the type of finer theoretical points that economists find interesting, and most other people find mind-numbing. My guess is that most amazon.com review readers are interested in general conclusions and I have too few disagreements with Sorman on those issues to bother with here. Generally, free market capitalism has a proven track record, despite some obvious faults. Not everyone wants to recognize the overall success of capitalism, but it is true. Not everyone wants to admit that government policy drove the Subprime boom and bust, but its true.

This book is highly readable, well reasoned, and timely. People are learning the wrong lessons from the past decade, and are forgetting the lessons of the past century. Buy EDNL. Read it. Learn from it.