Economics Does Not Lie: A Defense of the Free Market in a Time of Crisis

by Guy Sorman

Book Overview

In the 20th century, privatization and market capitalism have reconstructed Eastern Europe and lifted 800 million people - in China, Brazil, and India - out of poverty. In Economics Does Not Lie, noted French journalist Guy Sorman reveals that behind this unprecedented growth is not only the collapse of state socialism but also a scientific revolution in economics - one that is as of yet dimly understood by the public but increasingly embraced by...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1594032548
• ISBN13: 9781594032547
• Release Date: July 2009
• Publisher: Encounter Books
• Length: 250 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.3" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

A refreshing perspective from a non-American

First of all, anyone who appreciates Thomas Sowell's clear writing on economic issues will appreciate and should immediately purchase Guy Sorman's Economics Does Not Lie. Like Sowell, Sorman offers clear arguments about the free-markets and reminds us why this system works. In comparison to Sowell, however, who often justifies the free-market system in terms of human nature, i.e. the free-market system "works" because it is congruous with human nature, Sorman emphasizes that the free-market system works, because it does not "lie," i.e. it follows scientific principles that are based on truth and are falsifiable. Finally, what I appreciated about Sorman's book was his "international" perspective. In the first part of his book, Sorman interviews economists around the world (Europe, Scandinavia, Latin America) who share his appreciation of the free-market system. In the second half of his book, Sorman takes us on a whirlwind world tour, demonstrating how countries, like Chile, have benefitted from the application of these principles, whereas, countries, like Argentina, suffer "unnecessarily" from ignoring them.

Great book

I love this book because it tries to explain how economics affects the distribution of wealth to individuals, countries, and regions. It is not about people and their personalities, but about how education and the rule of law govern the capital value of a country. It cites numerous examples of governments injecting excess liquidity into banks, with unintended negative results. It refers briefly to past economic events, but concentrates mostly on current events like the emergence of India and China, the Euro, and in the US.

Very helpful for me - Best recent book on economics I've seen since the crisis

I've been reading quite a few books on economics and the ongoing crisis. This is the best. There are a fair number of books explaining the current crisis - the causes and and proposed fixes. Most are pretty good, but many seem to be very agenda driven - i.e. lets use the crisis to force some government to spend money fixing our favorite problems. Mr. Sorman write a very calm, well-reasoned and mostly-apolitical explanation of what nearly all economists would agree on. The chapters on India, China, Brazil and Japan were especially well-thought-through.

Useful Material for Laymen

Well, first off, most of my writing concerns culture and I'm always looking for educational sources that can bolster my knowledge of economics and I certainly found one here in Guy Sorman's defense of the free market. What's the answer to our current crisis? More government spending--no, just kidding. It's allowing the people to keep the money that they earn. That's the true meaning of social justice. We need that mentality instilled in our leadership...now more than ever! Due to my own interests, the last chapter, "Will the Greenhouse Effect Leave Us Broke," was the one I found most valuable. With somehow perfect timing, the House just passed Cap and Steal so Sorman's commentary is very topical. There's no question that leftist attempts to sabotage our economy in the name of saving the world are a total boondoggle and I found his solution--allow for innovation--inspiring. I also thought his deconstruction of Nicholas Stern was outstanding. The whole book is great though.

Extremely Helpful

Truly one of the best economics books to date. The principles Sorman outlines are nothing new, but the manner and clarity with which he does so certainly is. It demonstrates the necessity of the free market in these troubled economic times. Genius is when the complicated is made simple and clear. Sorman does exactly that.