Alan Ebenstein

Of course, the indispensable Friedman is in his books, particularly Free to Choose and Capitalism and Freedom (and in the Free to Choose documentary, which is online and stellar). This, then, are actually also-rans. But Friedman's also-rans are better than most people's rans. Eleven essays on political topics, that, of course, touch on economics and freedom and Friedman's whole thought. They are good pieces. I especially liked the piece on Adam Smith and the 2001 piece on health care, which, 2023, is still relevant. In fact, on health care, we've made things worse over time. Then follow nine pieces on economics. These were good too, but at times too technical for me, who finds math difficult and even boring. Some gems of thought are still dispensed, backed up by Friedman's scientific analysis and conclusions. Of course, there are other economists who can be found to cite their own analysis to reach any conclusion opposite (and whatever they please). The dismal science indeed. The "appendix" is a short interview of Friedman. A quick read that I would recommend as an appetizer to Friedman's thought for those who might not know it or the young conservative who wants to know more about it.… (mehr)