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The Big Three in Economics

Adam Smith, Karl Marx, and John Maynard Keynes

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The Big Three in Economics

By: Mark Skousen
Narrated by: Jeff Riggenbach
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About this listen

 The Big Three in Economics reveals the battle of ideas among the three most influential economists in world history: Adam Smith, representing laissez faire; Karl Marx, reflecting the radical socialist model; and John Maynard Keynes, symbolizing big government and the welfare state. History comes alive in this fascinating story of opposing views that continue to play a fundamental role in today's politics and economics.

In the 21st century, Adam Smith's "invisible hand" model has gained the upper hand, and capitalism has ultimately won the ideological battle over socialism and interventionism. But even in the era of globalization and privatization, Keynesian and Marxist ideas continue to play a significant role in economic policy in the public and private sectors.

©2007 Mark Skousen (P)2007 Blackstone Audio Inc. Economic History Economics Professionals & Academics Social Scientists & Psychologists Taxation Capitalism Government Socialism Economic disparity Economic Inequality Liberalism Marxism Soviet Union US Economy Deficit Economic Policy Banking Deflation Tariff Latin American

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Critic reviews

"Thoughtful, highly readable account that brings economics to life." (R. Glenn Hubbard, Dean, Columbia Business School)
"I love Mark Skousen's book about the history of economists - it is so interesting and well written, and helps us visualize the big picture." (Jeremy J. Siegel, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania)
"A curious, enlightening and creative account of the world's three most influential economists, and why their theories have had such a huge impact on the economic history of the modern world." (Robert J. Shiller, Yale University)
All stars
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I enjoyed it and learnt a lot but I did feel it could be better if stayed neutral by avoiding cheap jibes at Marx.

Great Book

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This title includes short biographies of each of the three economists Smith, Marx and Keynes, together with a discussion of the main points of their work and critique of their ideas. It also goes into useful detail about their successors and their historical impact.

Serves as a reasonable introduction to the history of economics for the general reader. There is bias introduced by the author's particular perspective. For example, he devotes a surprising amount of space to a discussion of whether or not Adam Smith was a practicing Christian. The description of Karl Marx is splendidly bitchy: a man described more than once as 'demonic'. He is villified, for example, because his children died in poverty. However, much of the discussion of Marx' work is reasonably unbiased and can be useful. It is obviously a matter of great dismay to the author that John Maynard Keynes described himself as an 'immoralist' and was openly homosexual for part of his life.

A reasonably good read, less impartial than I would have liked, but presents the main economic ideas in an accessible manner.

Acceptable but rather partisan coverage

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it is performed in the best manner possible. the book itself is good for acquiring general knowledge. it helps to have a somehow clearer understanding of economics in general but there are not too many details .

good for general knowledge

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As someone with a minute interest in economics I found this a good starting point. The latter 2 chapters summaries the effect of Smith, Marx and Keynes well.

Some of the terminology was technical and jargon but easy enough to look up. There are a decent amount of references that one could follow up on.

Overview of the "Big 3" - Decent Starting Block

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Narration was good. Great all round introduction to economics. Highly recommend. A great book if you want to understand economic basics and principles or a fantastic starter for further study.

interesting read

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Anti Keynes bias was painful in the later chapters. Examples were selective. Then I suppose by definition they are.

Informative overall

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I found the mini-biographies of the three economists pretty good, but the interim chapters went on a bit and were hard to follow in a spoken format. I found myself losing track of the narrative quite often. Following (even simple) equations in your mind is not easy either! It's also about 15 years old, and American to boot.

Went on a bit

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This has some good information but the views are essentially outdated and thus naive in their appreciation of free trade. Using old data to suggest that the poor get richer in capitalist societies with less regulation wouldn't be the empirical understanding rn. And we have great examples in the real such as the Republic of Ireland, where money is funnelled in but doesn't go anywhere near supporting those in the society who might need it....
So, some OK information but typically mundane and out of touch philosophy regarding economic theory

Outdated

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What would have made The Big Three in Economics better?

Less of the biased opinions of the writer , and more objectivity

Has The Big Three in Economics put you off other books in this genre?

No, I am aware not eveyone is so pro capitalism and so biased towards anything else.

Who might you have cast as narrator instead of Jeff Riggenbach?

N/a

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Annoyance and urge to delete this audio book

Any additional comments?

Very pro capitalism and very biased towards it. Definitely very un-objective read, unlucky with my choice of book.

Biased

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The first third of this book could be replaced with the sounds of the author sucking on Adam smiths cock

At least pretend to hide your bias

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