Applied Economics: Thinking Beyond Stage One

If Only Everyone Would Read It!

If everyone were to read this book, we'd have a much better America and world. I honestly mean that. While many critize Dr. Sowell, and brush off his arguments as being 'conservative', he has here produced a work that is filled with fact, not mere opinion. And in fact, if any reader concludes that Sowell's take on the political economy is merely the viewpoint of a conservative economist, then I would argue that his take is that of a right economist, and everyone disagreeing with him is simply wrong. In essence, the facts and studies of real life govenmental control of economic systems and their horrible consequences cannot be refuted. Yet, many liberal politicians keep advocating for many of the same policies Sowell shows to be idiotic. If only everyone would read this book. In closing, my suggestion is this: Buy two copies - one for yourself and one for a friend. Read it carefully, underline the main points, and then laugh everytime a politician says 'affordable health care.'

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Most Relevant Book of Our Time!

This book is undoubtedly the most practical and relevant book relating to how our politicians can destroy our country without us even realizing it! The negative impacts of NOT thinking beyond stage one are clearly laid out in a very readable way. I would recommend this book as REQUIRED reading by EVERY AMERICAN beyond freshman in high school!

Great education about basic economic issues

Many political considerations have the underlying economic dimensions. In fact, probably every political decision has major economic ramifications. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to discern all of those ramifications and the consequences of those decisions that come up further down the road sometimes take time to manifest themselves. This book provides the reader with some basic tools of analysis in order to fully appreciate some of the major political issues of today. The main focus is on the US politics, but the issues discussed have cropped up under different guises around the world and the book could certainly be read by international audience.

Thomas Sowell is one of the most respected political columnists of today, and his popularity and influence are in large measure due to the fact that he is exceptionally skillful at writing at the level that can be readily appreciated by the general readership. He's particularly adroit at breaking down complex issues and presenting them in terms of their most salient components. It is exactly this style that he brings to this book. The book is not a highbrow academic treatise, nor even a real textbook. Its aim is to promote economic literacy on the part of general public, and in that respect it does an admirable job. The title of the book suggests that this is a sequel to Sowell's "Basic Economics," but this is a largely self-contained work and can be read independently of the earlier book. In fact, each one of the chapters can be read in its own right. The only thing that links them in a single volume is the general theme of considering economic consequences "beyond stage on," i.e. beyond the immediate impact that various political decisions have.

This is one of those books that everyone should read. If everyone did, it is very likely that we wouldn't be straddled with the consequences of unfortunate political decisions for decades at a time.

Should be required reading

These days when so much blather is being spewed relating to economics, it is refreshing to find someone who has his feet on the ground. Sowell distinuishes politics from economics (most contemporary writing does not) and takes up such issues as medical care, housing, immigration, and Third World development. The book is likely to get little discussion in the press, as virtually everything Sowell points out about the way the world works will offend their liberal beliefs.

Sowell's ability to explain economics in a practical, how it really works, sense makes this a must read book.

Sowell's grasp of the market infuences and patteerns and his ability to explain what happens when politics and economics mix make this book a must read. It should be required reading for all high school students.

Highly Relevant and Informative!

This is probably the most relevant book of our times! Thomas Sowell outlines how our failure to think past stage one can cause a dalayed economic impact that could be devastating to our country and its population. Every American above the age of 12 should read this book and understand that we CAN prevent our politicians from destroying our economy and way of life! WE MUST THINK PAST STAGE ONE!

A Must Read!

This excellent, short, clear book should be part of everyone¿s reference library, particularly those who wish to understand standard conservative economic thought. The distinctions author Thomas Sowell draws between political and economic logic should become a valuable part of each voter¿s mental apparatus. Writing to educate the general reader, not to further instruct the sophisticated economist, the author advocates minimal government interference. He calls for as little regulation as possible, mainly because regulations have unintended and usually undesirable economic consequences when seen with a long-range perspective. Sowell¿s concise, easy-to-read style cuts through the jargon of most economic discussions to lay bare the underlying, plain heartwood. It is easy to quibble here and there. Sowell doesn¿t offer lots of statistics and back-up material. And, he seems to argue against individual economic decision making when he tilts a drug pricing discussion into a sermon against Americans buying medicine at low Canadian prices. However, we find that his book stands on its merits nonetheless, as long as you understand that the author has a political ¿ as well as an economic ¿ point of view.

Excellent book

I totally agree with the review by 'Policy': If there is a single recent book that can advance economic literacy in this country, it is Thomas Sowell's latest book, Basic Economics.... Sowell has managed to make economics humane again, relevant and interesting to young people and ordinary citizens.... Buy a copy and read it immediately¿no: buy two,(no, buy ten - TA) and give [them] to a school teacher, a journalist, or a politician near you!

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