Basic Economics, Fifth Edition: A Common Sense Guide to the Economy
Audible Audiobook – Original recordingThomas Sowell (Author), Tom Weiner (Narrator), & 1 more
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Product details
Audible Audiobook
Listening Length: 23 hours and 47 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Original recording
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Audible.com Release Date: December 2, 2014
Language: English, English
ASIN: B00PKQMFT8
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,501 in Audible Audiobooks (See Top 100 in Audible Audiobooks)
#4 in Economics (Books)
#51 in Economics (Books)
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715 customer reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5 stars
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4 star 8%
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thomas sowell basic economics high school required readingfree market common sense highly recommend scarce resourcesmust read easy to understand minimum wage easy to readalternative uses supply and demand resources that have alternativereal world well written recommend this book reading this bookgreat book
Showing 1-8 of 715 reviews
Top Reviews
George Willikers
5.0 out of 5 starsProof You Shouldn't Judge a Book by its CoverJanuary 16, 2015
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
What sets Thomas Sowell apart from many economists and intellectuals is his ability to present complex ideas with both clarity and simplicity. As he himself once noted, "If academic writings were difficult because of the deep thoughts involved, that might be understandable, even if frustrating. Seldom is that the case, however. Jaw-breaking words often cover up very sloppy thinking." For Sowell, economics is no exception.
In Basic Economics, he reminds you that economics is the study of the use of scarce resources which have alternative uses. And with this fundamental truth in mind we see a master expositor at work. He derives many economic principles from this easily forgotten fact, offering you real-life examples along the way. This book was, of course, written for the layman. In fact, no prior knowledge of economics is needed before you read it. Yet the book is of such breadth and depth that economist Dr. Walter Williams says "it provides an understanding of some economic phenomena that might prove elusive to a Ph.D. economist."
As you read and become familiar with how Sowell thinks, you will yourself begin to think like an economist. You will learn to judge policies not by their proposed goals, but by the incentives they are likely to create, which may have the opposite effect of their intended goals. You will learn to think about not only a policy's immediate effects, but also its effects in the long run, and not only its effects to a specific group of people, but to everyone. In the process, many of your long-held cherished beliefs may be challenged.
Consider, for instance, minimum wage laws. Sowell explains why increasing the price an employer must pay his employees--though put into law for benevolent reasons--can have unintended bad effects, like an increase in unemployment. He also explains why, for similar reasons, rent control decreases the quality of apartment buildings, or why lowering the price of gas can cause a shortage.
This 5th edition of Basic Economics includes a new chapter on international disparities in wealth. An insightful chapter, Sowell explains why some countries enjoy luxury while others suffer poverty, pointing to such commonly overlooked factors as geography and culture. Another addition is that this book ends with a section of questions covering important economic issues. If you don't know the answer to a question, it tells you where in the book you can find it. This is especially helpful for someone forgetful like me, who must regularly return to refresh on economics. It's also helpful for quizzing yourself to see how well you understood the information.
To say that Sowell's books have boring covers and titles is an understatement. But they provide strong evidence for the claim that "you shouldn't judge a book by its cover." I recommend this book as a must-read to everyone, not just to aspiring economists. (I also highly recommend Henry Hazlitt's Economics in One Lesson.) However, I would be remiss if I did not include in this review any drawbacks, and there's a big one. Basic Economics will leave you more pessimistic for your country than before you opened it.
329 people found this helpful
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K. Wolf
5.0 out of 5 starsA must read for literally everyone. Everyone. Everyone.February 26, 2018
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Many of the other 5 star reviews explain better in words than I could just how profoundly important, yet easy to read, this book is. My only contribution to these reviews is to say that I see this book as being like "Freakonomics for grown ups". It offers excellent insight into economic phenomenons with relatable examples, without simply scratching the surface of the implications of such, as Freakonomics does.
Basic Economics has mass market value without obvious mass market appeal. A must read for literally everyone. Everyone. Everyone.
42 people found this helpful
HelpfulComment Report abuse
Kidnem
5.0 out of 5 starsOne of the best books i've readMarch 14, 2018
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
5 years ago I leaned towards leftism. As I took a more logical approach to life (getting to the actual root of things) and widened my perspective of economics (and life in general), I've leaned more towards libertarianism. This book was one of my biggest influences and changed many of my views on politics, economics, and approaching life in general. Thomas gets you to think about all sides of the equation and not just what the intellectuals or politicians want you to see (no matter the party). I felt smarter after reading this book since it has now been embedded in my head to question everything.
58 people found this helpful
HelpfulComment Report abuse
David Taylor
5.0 out of 5 starsDdemonstrates effective critical thinking to how economies workAugust 26, 2017
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Somehow or another, Thomas Sowell only recently came across my radar. And since, I've listened to countless of his speeches, talks, and interviews on YouTube. I decided to purchase this 5th ed. of Basic Economics and I have not been disappointed. He writes in a very readable and compelling style so that his presentation of economics is very interesting and applicable. I am learning many things about how the economy works. For instance, living in Florida under the annual danger of hurricanes where the Governor can step in to prevent "price gouging," I was particularly interested in Sowell's explanation of the benefits of "price gouging" in that it creates an incentive for sellers to rush "to the area where the hurricane is likely to strike, before the hurricane actually gets there" in order to make additional profit. While this seems heartless, it benefits the economy because much needed supplies are provided and sellers get to make a little extra money doing it. Insert "price gouging" controls and these additional resources never arrive. Remove these controls and, as Sowell says, "Skyrocketing local prices can overcome the reluctance to take on these local obstacles that entail additional costs. Moreover, each supplier has incentives to try to be the first to arrive on the scene, since that is when prices will be highest, before additional suppliers arrive and their competition drives prices back down." Sowell goes on to say "But if only the usual prices in normal times can be expected, there is less incentive to incur the extra costs of rushing things to an area where disaster is expected to strike." What Sowell admits, is that everyone is greedy - the buyer and seller alike - so go ahead and keep the scales of greed balanced rather than over-balance it to one side or the other because "people tend to do more for their own benefit than for the benefit of others." When price controls like this are in effect - tipping the scales of greed in the favor of the buyer - people are more likely to buy much more than they may need leaving very few supplies for others while sellers are disincentivized from supplying more because there is no reward in it for them. But if the market were permitted to set its own prices, it would force us greedy buyers to ration how much we buy thus leaving resources for others to buy, forcing everyone to ration on their own. This was an argument I'd never heard of before and would love see any data on how it has played out anywhere, assuming it has been permitted to.
I'm still plowing through the book though I've read several chapters but not in order. I certainly recommend this book because it demonstrates effective critical thinking to how economies work.
21 people found this helpful
HelpfulComment Report abuse
psychoinhell
5.0 out of 5 starsIt is more like drinking a fine wine or smoking an expensive cigarJanuary 27, 2016
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
This took me forever to read! It is not that it is difficult to read or understand. It is more like drinking a fine wine or smoking an expensive cigar. You intentionally take your time to enjoy the knowledge that is being imparted to you, to fully absorb it.
Say what you will about that comment, I have a MBA and many of the concepts he share or shot down, should have been obvious to me. Yet I ignored what should have been common sense to believe what is propaganda that is repeated constantly until we are start to believe that 2 + 2 = 5.
Well Dr Sowell screams to remind you that it is 4.
Must have for anyone that hasn't taken economics to the graduate level.
33 people found this helpful
HelpfulComment Repo
Ben Shapiro
4.7 out of 5 stars586
$14.95 with Audible membership
Economics in One LessonAudible Audiobook
Henry Hazlitt
4.5 out of 5 stars1,187
$10.99
Black Rednecks and White LiberalsAudible Audiobook
Thomas Sowell
4.8 out of 5 stars486
$13.19
Product details
Audible Audiobook
Listening Length: 23 hours and 47 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Original recording
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Audible.com Release Date: December 2, 2014
Language: English, English
ASIN: B00PKQMFT8
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,501 in Audible Audiobooks (See Top 100 in Audible Audiobooks)
#4 in Economics (Books)
#51 in Economics (Books)
Would you like to tell us about a lower price?
715 customer reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5 stars
5 star 84%
4 star 8%
3 star 3%
2 star 2%
1 star 3%
By customer groups & interests
Economics
4.7
Macroeconomics
4.5
Politics
4.8
See more
Is this feature helpful?
Yes
No
Review this product
Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review
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Customer images
See all customer images
Read reviews that mention
thomas sowell basic economics high school required readingfree market common sense highly recommend scarce resourcesmust read easy to understand minimum wage easy to readalternative uses supply and demand resources that have alternativereal world well written recommend this book reading this bookgreat book
Showing 1-8 of 715 reviews
Top Reviews
George Willikers
5.0 out of 5 starsProof You Shouldn't Judge a Book by its CoverJanuary 16, 2015
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
What sets Thomas Sowell apart from many economists and intellectuals is his ability to present complex ideas with both clarity and simplicity. As he himself once noted, "If academic writings were difficult because of the deep thoughts involved, that might be understandable, even if frustrating. Seldom is that the case, however. Jaw-breaking words often cover up very sloppy thinking." For Sowell, economics is no exception.
In Basic Economics, he reminds you that economics is the study of the use of scarce resources which have alternative uses. And with this fundamental truth in mind we see a master expositor at work. He derives many economic principles from this easily forgotten fact, offering you real-life examples along the way. This book was, of course, written for the layman. In fact, no prior knowledge of economics is needed before you read it. Yet the book is of such breadth and depth that economist Dr. Walter Williams says "it provides an understanding of some economic phenomena that might prove elusive to a Ph.D. economist."
As you read and become familiar with how Sowell thinks, you will yourself begin to think like an economist. You will learn to judge policies not by their proposed goals, but by the incentives they are likely to create, which may have the opposite effect of their intended goals. You will learn to think about not only a policy's immediate effects, but also its effects in the long run, and not only its effects to a specific group of people, but to everyone. In the process, many of your long-held cherished beliefs may be challenged.
Consider, for instance, minimum wage laws. Sowell explains why increasing the price an employer must pay his employees--though put into law for benevolent reasons--can have unintended bad effects, like an increase in unemployment. He also explains why, for similar reasons, rent control decreases the quality of apartment buildings, or why lowering the price of gas can cause a shortage.
This 5th edition of Basic Economics includes a new chapter on international disparities in wealth. An insightful chapter, Sowell explains why some countries enjoy luxury while others suffer poverty, pointing to such commonly overlooked factors as geography and culture. Another addition is that this book ends with a section of questions covering important economic issues. If you don't know the answer to a question, it tells you where in the book you can find it. This is especially helpful for someone forgetful like me, who must regularly return to refresh on economics. It's also helpful for quizzing yourself to see how well you understood the information.
To say that Sowell's books have boring covers and titles is an understatement. But they provide strong evidence for the claim that "you shouldn't judge a book by its cover." I recommend this book as a must-read to everyone, not just to aspiring economists. (I also highly recommend Henry Hazlitt's Economics in One Lesson.) However, I would be remiss if I did not include in this review any drawbacks, and there's a big one. Basic Economics will leave you more pessimistic for your country than before you opened it.
329 people found this helpful
HelpfulComment Report abuse
K. Wolf
5.0 out of 5 starsA must read for literally everyone. Everyone. Everyone.February 26, 2018
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Many of the other 5 star reviews explain better in words than I could just how profoundly important, yet easy to read, this book is. My only contribution to these reviews is to say that I see this book as being like "Freakonomics for grown ups". It offers excellent insight into economic phenomenons with relatable examples, without simply scratching the surface of the implications of such, as Freakonomics does.
Basic Economics has mass market value without obvious mass market appeal. A must read for literally everyone. Everyone. Everyone.
42 people found this helpful
HelpfulComment Report abuse
Kidnem
5.0 out of 5 starsOne of the best books i've readMarch 14, 2018
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
5 years ago I leaned towards leftism. As I took a more logical approach to life (getting to the actual root of things) and widened my perspective of economics (and life in general), I've leaned more towards libertarianism. This book was one of my biggest influences and changed many of my views on politics, economics, and approaching life in general. Thomas gets you to think about all sides of the equation and not just what the intellectuals or politicians want you to see (no matter the party). I felt smarter after reading this book since it has now been embedded in my head to question everything.
58 people found this helpful
HelpfulComment Report abuse
David Taylor
5.0 out of 5 starsDdemonstrates effective critical thinking to how economies workAugust 26, 2017
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Somehow or another, Thomas Sowell only recently came across my radar. And since, I've listened to countless of his speeches, talks, and interviews on YouTube. I decided to purchase this 5th ed. of Basic Economics and I have not been disappointed. He writes in a very readable and compelling style so that his presentation of economics is very interesting and applicable. I am learning many things about how the economy works. For instance, living in Florida under the annual danger of hurricanes where the Governor can step in to prevent "price gouging," I was particularly interested in Sowell's explanation of the benefits of "price gouging" in that it creates an incentive for sellers to rush "to the area where the hurricane is likely to strike, before the hurricane actually gets there" in order to make additional profit. While this seems heartless, it benefits the economy because much needed supplies are provided and sellers get to make a little extra money doing it. Insert "price gouging" controls and these additional resources never arrive. Remove these controls and, as Sowell says, "Skyrocketing local prices can overcome the reluctance to take on these local obstacles that entail additional costs. Moreover, each supplier has incentives to try to be the first to arrive on the scene, since that is when prices will be highest, before additional suppliers arrive and their competition drives prices back down." Sowell goes on to say "But if only the usual prices in normal times can be expected, there is less incentive to incur the extra costs of rushing things to an area where disaster is expected to strike." What Sowell admits, is that everyone is greedy - the buyer and seller alike - so go ahead and keep the scales of greed balanced rather than over-balance it to one side or the other because "people tend to do more for their own benefit than for the benefit of others." When price controls like this are in effect - tipping the scales of greed in the favor of the buyer - people are more likely to buy much more than they may need leaving very few supplies for others while sellers are disincentivized from supplying more because there is no reward in it for them. But if the market were permitted to set its own prices, it would force us greedy buyers to ration how much we buy thus leaving resources for others to buy, forcing everyone to ration on their own. This was an argument I'd never heard of before and would love see any data on how it has played out anywhere, assuming it has been permitted to.
I'm still plowing through the book though I've read several chapters but not in order. I certainly recommend this book because it demonstrates effective critical thinking to how economies work.
21 people found this helpful
HelpfulComment Report abuse
psychoinhell
5.0 out of 5 starsIt is more like drinking a fine wine or smoking an expensive cigarJanuary 27, 2016
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
This took me forever to read! It is not that it is difficult to read or understand. It is more like drinking a fine wine or smoking an expensive cigar. You intentionally take your time to enjoy the knowledge that is being imparted to you, to fully absorb it.
Say what you will about that comment, I have a MBA and many of the concepts he share or shot down, should have been obvious to me. Yet I ignored what should have been common sense to believe what is propaganda that is repeated constantly until we are start to believe that 2 + 2 = 5.
Well Dr Sowell screams to remind you that it is 4.
Must have for anyone that hasn't taken economics to the graduate level.
33 people found this helpful
HelpfulComment Repo
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