Economics in One Lesson [Hardcover]

Henry Hazlitt (Author), Walter Block (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: 2007

Shows some signs of wear, and may have some markings on the inside. 100% Money Back Guarantee.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 206 pages
• Publisher: Ludwig von Mises Institute; 1st edition (2007)
• Language: English
• ASIN: B001G8NW6Y
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #231,446 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A life-changing (or at least mind-changing) book, September 2, 2009

By 

H. Clark - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Economics in One Lesson (Hardcover)

I read this book as a college grad fairly ignorant of economic matters. It completely changed my world view. Perhaps that sounds hyperbolic, but the common-sense lessons about human thought and action in this small, easily digestible book have materialized in virtually every aspect of my life, from the obvious, such as my views on political policy, to the obscure, such as my relationships and my satisfaction with my own choices. Hazlitt is never heavy-handed; he comes over as extremely objective because he doesn't need to convince anyone of his views. He is confident that anyone who takes the time to read, consider, and understand true economics would be hard-pressed to reject the logical conclusions he offers.

The book essentially springs from the premise that economic fallacy results from considering the effects of a policy or action only on a specific group or over a short period of time. From this he goes on to explain how such fallacies have invaded every single sphere of public policy. While before I vaguely opposed the idea of public works projects, tariffs, and welfare, I had no reasoning to back up my thoughts so I rarely expressed them. Hazlitt's book, instead of arming me with political doublespeak, provided me with the solid theory to truly understand why things that seem hard to argue against--kickbacks for hardworking but suffering farmers, for example-- are really counter productive. I recommend this book for people who hail from any economic class or political party; it won't offend you, and will do nothing but make you more informed and better equipped to understand the world around you.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One simple lesson, August 14, 2009

By 

Mariusz Skonieczny "Author" (Schaumburg, IL) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Economics in One Lesson (Hardcover)

The authors who understand the subject really well are able to explain it in simple and easy to understand language. This is what I feel that this book is all about. The author explains the economy in one lesson: policies should take into consideration the long-term consequences as well as short-term, and they should consider the effects on all groups, not just few. Wow, so simple, but unfortunately this is not how our policy makers think.

I think that high school students should read this book before they enroll in economic courses that bore them to death with all the graphs and mathematical calculations. I really appreciate that this book is simple but to the point - even junior high school students would understand it. I highly recommend it.

- Mariusz Skonieczny, author of Why Are We So Clueless about the Stock Market? Learn how to invest your money, how to pick stocks, and how to make money in the stock market

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WARNING ! ! ! Warning for Progressives, October 5, 2009

By 

Jeremy Bridges - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Economics in One Lesson (Hardcover)

This book in no way should be read by any 'progressive' who wishes to remain one! If you read with any openmindedness at all, you will be moved inexorably toward an appreciation of the ability of the free market to improve the lives of people in any society that values and practices it. Your faith in government to solve economic problems will be shattered as you begin to see how non-market 'solutions', no matter how well intended, exacerabate these problems in the real world.

Written over 60 years ago, Hazlitt's work is remarkably prescient and applicable today. Along with very relatable examples, I found his reasoning to be clear, concise, and sound. It is very readable and understandable for non-economists. Seems the economic fallicies that people mistakenly believe today are essentially the same ones from 1946, or 1846, or 1746...or for that matter... from 46. Just slap a new coat of paint on 'em and your ready to fool a whole new generation of victims. In this respect, Hazlitt makes a great paint stripper.