The Economics of Freedom

 

Introduction:

Economics is the science of individuals allocating their scarce means (time, energy, money, and other resources) toward the achievement of their unlimited wants (better car, more security, nicer home, fuller life, etc.).  Notice that not all these things are material!" See this article to explore this important distinction: Link.

 

Hence economics is one of the most useful tools for figuring out how to live your life best – the way you want it lived.  It does not answer all your questions, but it answers many. 

 

What follows here are resources we have found that do a great job in explaining the science (the method of thinking) and answering many of the key questions. 

 

We encourage you to explore whatever looks interesting to you.   Not every resource here is perfect or exactly something we would agree with in all aspects.  But they all contain basic truth that we think you will find worthwhile, and will help you improve your “economic way of thinking” and come to conclusions that will help you in life.

 

The basic difference in theory between the government control side (Keynesian) versus free market side (Austrian) is explored in these videos.

The basic idea that stimulus is needed to right the ship has been quite popular especially in the minds of academics and those advocating larger government.

 

The hip-rap videos at right portrays this difference in an entertaining rap tune.

The difference is well portrayed as the difference between prudence and fiscal responsibility and the opposite.

Books:

 

Introductory:

Economics in One Lesson by Henry Hazlitt

The Incredible Bread Machine by Susan Love Brown, et al

Planning for Freedom by Ludwig von Mises

Economic Policy by Ludwig von Mises

The Road to Serfdom by Friedrich von Hayek

What Has Government Done to our Money by Murray Rothbard

Capitalism and Freedom by Milton Friedman

Free to Choose by Milton Friedman (See the 10 part series of award winning videos beginning on this page that gave rise to the book - at this Link.)

Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal by Ayn Rand, et al

Making Great Decisions in Business and Life by David R. Henderson and Charles L. Hooper      Amazon Link

 

Books - Intermediate:

 

Socialism by Ludwig von Mises     Link

Theory and History by Ludwig von Mises   Link

An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith     Link

 

Books - Advanced:

                  

Human Action by Ludwig von Mises      Link

Man, Economy and State by Murray Rothbard     Link

 

Videos:

The Incredible Bread Machine:  See the award winning video on the right, for excellent 1970s adaptation of this book to film.

 

Newsletters (free):

FEE In Brief      Link

Laissez Faire Today     Link

 

Blogs:

Cafe Hayek      Link

Free Banking     Link

 

 

The Background

 

Is this a good list?  Please suggest some additions.