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)

Interesting if you like economics

I teach economics in high school and enjoyed this book but for the average person this would not be an interesting read. It would be beneficial and worthwhile but not interesting.

Economics is not rocket science

Where does Economics in One Lesson rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is a good one. Mr. Hazlitt explains what the basic ideas are in the world of economics. It turns out, I discovered that economics is not a science as there are premises upon which the theory is based and if the premises are wrong, so are the conclusions.
How does this apply to todays world?
If Keyneism is wrong, and it appears that is it, then the world is headed for a major breakdown.
Hazilitt would shake his head in disgust at the belivers that run the Federal Reserve and the government as they have entirely too much confidence that they are right and more debt will solve the current problems. I hope they know what they are doing, but I'll bet one one of them has read this book.

Thank you so very much.

I listened to this book because a friend had given a copy to my wife. I'm very glad to now have a much better understanding and way to explain to others why social programs simply don't help. And why redistribution of wealth is a horrible idea economically.

Mandatory for all high schoolers

One of the great tragedies is that economics isn't sexy or easy to understand, so baseless emotional arguments win our over reason.

Economics in One Lesson makes Econ a little sexier and a lot easier to understand.

The reader does sound like my old math teacher though, which is unfortunate

Good information, just not attention grabbing

This is very informative, but at times can be on the little dull side. The most intriguing thing to me is how our economy was over 60 years ago and 30 years ago. Our economy continues to go deeper in debt for the very reasons this author raises alarms. Yet, it seems we are doomed to continue to deeper in debt trying to fix our economy.

That is just a portion of this book and yet it would be nice to see more of our young adults become interested in at least the basics of how the economy works. Then maybe we the people can do what is necessary to turn things around.

A classic. A must read for all aspiring economists

There has been a few years to have passed since this book was first written. I remember well reading it the first time back in the 90s. It addresses so many of the problems i saw in the world then, so i thought i would read it again and see if i could apply it to today’s problems. I think you will see that it is just as timely now as it is always been. If you have questions about unemployment, inflation, or a more powerful government start here with this book.
I read the book at a faster pace than the author naturally reads and although it took longer than one lesson to finish it, i still highly recommend it to you.

Expert education in 6 hours

become an expert economics with this book or at least a good deal towards expertise that would be practiced in the United States in 1946 book was published continue to be upheld today in 2021. it's a shame that the public is not taught these principles so that these evils could be reversed.

Should be required reading

Agree or disagree with the legislative recommendations, the logic in this book is sound and just as applicable today as when it was first written decades ago. Should be required reading in every American high school.

Economics can be dry, but this helps

Excellent overview lesson in economics that the world NEEDS to hear. The definition of insanity is our current economic and political systems. They simply don't and won't work. This book demonstrates why and proffers solutions that would.

an absolute f***ing pleasure

explaining the concepts in great detail with brilliant examples and common sense language, a must for everyone interested in economic thinking.