Basic Economics, Fourth Edition

A Common Sense Guide to the Economy

By: Thomas Sowell

Narrated by: Tom Weiner

Length: 23 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

The fourth edition of Basic Economics is both expanded and updated. A new chapter on the history of economics itself has been added, and the implications of that history examined. Among other additions throughout the book, a new section on the special role of corporations in the economy has been added to the chapter on government and big business.

Basic Economics, which has now been translated into six foreign languages, has grown so much that a large amount of material previously found in the back of the book has now been put online instead so that neither the book itself nor its price will have to expand. The central idea of Basic Economics, however, remains the same: The fundamental facts and principles of economics do not require jargon, graphs, or equations and can be learned in a relaxed and even enjoyable way.

©2011 Thomas Sowell (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Clear and concise…Among economists of the past 30 years, [Sowell] stands very proud indeed.” ( Wall Street Journal)

misleading

Any additional comments?

i didn't enjoy this book, but it does give an overview of basic economic concepts. unfortunately, despite its length the book did not teach me anything i didn't already know, and as the book goes on, it becomes increasingly focused on the evils of government intervention, and less so on explaining economic concepts. i could have done without the extensive libertarian diatribes. i'm a believer in free-market economics and the global economy, but the agenda was so clear and tone was often so biased and closed-minded that the experience was simply not fruitful for me. it's a shame because when sowell sticks to economics, he explains things quite effectively, but i'd have rather purchased a less partisan book.

Objective and just what most people need to hear

I spend hours on the road so this was a great way for me to take a refresher course on economics while I drive. I liked how he teaches a theory or principle then supports it using one or more examples. I think this is just what most people need to hear and understand, especially at a time when many people around the world seem to be leaning toward socialism to answer all the problems of societies. Great book. I'm going to buy the book in hard cover just so I can reference it from time to time. If you're looking for a short simple "Economics for Dummies" then this is not for you. This book is very, very long and gives highly detailed descriptions of the basic principles. Highly recommended for real thinkers.

Should have been called the bible of economics

If you could sum up Basic Economics, Fourth Edition in three words, what would they be?

Tha answer

Any additional comments?

I have always felt there was a mathematical solution to every social and political problem we face Now I know there is.

Amazing!

What made the experience of listening to Basic Economics, Fourth Edition the most enjoyable?

The content and accessibility of the facts presented.

What other book might you compare Basic Economics, Fourth Edition to and why?

Adam Smith's "Wealth of Nations" from a non-fiction standpoint and Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged" as a fictional example of the policies which Thomas Sowell lays out.

Have you listened to any of Tom Weiner’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

IDK

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I don't ever plan on listening to books all in one sitting since many of them would take continuous listening for quite some time. This one would have taken over 24 straight hours. I usually listen to books while running, hiking, skiing, swimming (swiMP3) or biking. Activities which I only usually do for a few hours at a time. I love being able to listen to/read a book this way. I get through many more books that I would otherwise be able to enjoy.

Any additional comments?

I highly recommend this book and think that every literate person in the world should read it. And if they aren't literate, they should learn how to read... so that they could read this book. I hate it when people are taken advantage of. This book shows you how politicians take advantage of the very people they're pretending to help. When they say they're going to pass a policy which will help an inner city or poor person (as an example), the policy they pass only serves to further enslave them or tax them even more.

Great book. Complex and yet simple.

Thomas Sowell has a great ability to take complex problems and break them down in an understandable way.

I should probably get the newer addition

I'm a nerd and I've listened to this book probably ten times. I got the older edition to save some cash but I've gotten a lot of use out of it. :)

Fabulous Book

Extremely informative. Enjoyed listening to all 18 hours of so of it!! Highly recommend it for those who want to truly understand economics at its most fundamental level.

Recommended

Highly recommended for anyone interested in economics. No graphs or complicated grammar. Opinionated in some parts but still worth the read.

Excellent Overview of Economics

It he said it once he said it hundreds of times in the book: economics is study of allocation of scarce resources which have alternative uses. The book deals in large measure with the implications of this premise. Book also incorporates thoughts from Sowell's "Knowledge and Decisions" - another excellent listen. Highly recommend the book for the insights it provides on on basic economic principles and misguided attitudes and legislation.

great education!This

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This is a basic textbook on economics, presenting complicated ideas in easy to understand and practical texts.

Have you listened to any of Tom Weiner’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No