Economics in One Lesson

By: Henry Hazlitt

Narrated by: Jeff Riggenbach

Length: 6 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

A million-copy seller, Henry Hazlitt’s Economics in One Lesson is a classic economic primer. But it is also much more, having become a fundamental influence on modern “libertarian” economics of the type espoused by Ron Paul and others. Called by H. L. Mencken “one of the few economists in history who could really write,” Henry Hazlitt achieved lasting fame for this brilliant but concise work. In it, he explains basic truths about economics and the economic fallacies responsible for unemployment, inflation, high taxes, and recession, as well as illustrating the destructive effects of taxes, rent and price controls, inflation, trade restrictions, and minimum-wage laws.

Economics in One Lesson is deceptively prescient and far-reaching in its efforts to dissemble economic fallacies that are so prevalent they have almost become a new orthodoxy. Many current economic commentators across the political spectrum have credited Hazlitt with foreseeing the collapse of the global economy, which occurred more than fifty years after the initial publication of this seminal work. Hazlitt’s focus on non-governmental solutions, strong—and strongly reasoned—antideficit position, and general emphasis on free markets, economic liberty of individuals, and the dangers of government intervention make Economics in One Lesson every bit as relevant and valuable today as it has been since publication.

©1962, 1979 by Henry Hazlitt (P)1996 by Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"If there were a Nobel Prize for clear economic thinking, Mr. Hazlitt's book would be a worthy recipient...like a surgeon's scalpel, it cuts through...much nonsense that has been written in recent years about our economic ailments." (J.W. Hanes, former Undersecretary of the Treasury)

Fundamental, muy bien argumentado y escrito para todos los públicos

Un libro fundamental, de los que hay que leer, con una argumentación sólida y muy bien estructurada y un lenguaje fácil de seguir.
La tesis principal es que es necesario atender a las consecuencias de las políticas económicas más allá de las buenas intenciones y del corto plazo, tanto de tiempo como de contexto (grupos de población, geografía, etc.). A partir de ahí, recorre los “lugares comunes“ de las políticas económico-sociales, detallando los efectos negativos de cada una de ellas y mostrando que, en conjunto, hacen considerablemente más mal que bien.
Algunos sentirán que se rompen sus esquemas. Aún así, es absolutamente recomendable conocerlo, sea cual sea tu orientación de política económica.
La lectura de Jeff Riggenbach es magnífica y se entiende bastante bien incluso si tu nivel de inglés no es demasiado alto (como es mi caso). Enhorabuena.

Should be required reading in every school.

As Hazlitt states, economists must simply throw up their hands trying to teach anyone when the bulk of the population has not even progressed an understanding of what Adam Smith wrote in the 17th century. Reading this book should be required prior to any citizen of any country being allowed to vote. This book, along with "Innumeracy" by John Allen Paulos, are the first two I read that have led me on a journey of voracious non-fiction reading to learn more about the myths I've been told and convinced to believe. From there to Sowell and Friedman, and beyond, economics informs (well, ... should inform) politics the way mathematics informs physics.

Common Sense - Where Common Sense Is Banned!

What did you love best about Economics in One Lesson?

This book explains clearly the consequences of so many things we take for granted; i.e. regulations, taxes, price fixing, tariffs, and the like.This book reads like it was written today, and only the dates and actual figures reveal that it was written long ago. It shows that priciple stays the same, despite the fad of the day.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Economics in One Lesson?

I loved explaination of the pros and cons brought about by union labor without any politcal spin! It's strictly numbers...

What does Jeff Riggenbach bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

If I would try to read this book on my own, I would have fallen asleep, but Jeff gave dry material a personality that I enjoyes listening to.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This book crunched numbers without any political motivation. As certian policies were explained, I had quite a few "Ah-Haaa" moments.

An interesting breakdown of the absolute bones of economics

This book is a great breakdown of the absolute bones of economics. It is not a textbook or course, but more of a discourse from 1946 and revised in the 1970’s. The inflationary practices done at that time and feared by the author have gone wildly off the rails since then. It’s a great reminder that our current economic system is built on the most dangerous principles.

The repetitive language in this book and the readers tone of voice make this book difficult to listen too. It was often sleep inducing for me, even though I had an interest in learning the information.

Not an Econ primer: Intro to Austrian school gripe

This is NOT an intro to economics. It is a direct dive into the deep end of the Austrian School of Economics gripes and orthodoxy. No definition or presentation of terms or general economic principles.

That said, it is worth reading. Lively and authoritative. It is a clear presentation of a very specific perspective on economic policy, i.e., minimal role of the government, misuse of public funds for any and all social programs, etc. Essentially, libertarian/conservative. However, whether you side with Keynes or Hayek, all strict orthodoxies have their limitations when applied in practice.

Written so long ago and still so true

Very eye opening. The insights written about so long ago are still so true yet we continue down the same slippery slope.

economics is boring

What did you love best about Economics in One Lesson?

this was for school so i mean i wasnt looking for entertainment

What do you think your next listen will be?

never, hopefully ill get a good grade on this course

Which scene was your favorite?

when it ended

What did you learn from Economics in One Lesson that you would use in your daily life?

economics. duh

Any additional comments?

im just writing this review to procrastinate i dont wanna finish reading this book

Every Tax Payer Must Read This

It doesn't matter what country you are from, if you are paying taxes and voting, you must read this book. Hazlitt breaks everything down into the simplest examples that make the reader wonder why they never thought of it that way. Despite this version being from 1978, the topics are still relevant to today's times. Strongly recommend!

economics in 26 lessons

great book, but it was really 26 lessons and not just one. you'd think that a dude who is otherwise so economically sound would know how to count..

Excellent listen.

Wish they would teach this in schools today. Makes you think of consequences of actions and who or what it helps or hurts.