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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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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 Capitalism Government Taxation 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, acutely observed and profoundly moving....Barker mixes brilliantly observed contemporary realism and mystical overtones with dazzling skill. The book has the grip of a superior thriller while introducing, with no sense of strain, a sense of sorrowful mortality that lingers long after the last page." (Publishers Weekly)
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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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I appreciated the detailed history of some of the key economic thinkers over the past 3 centuries. But the author very clearly has a preferred ideological position, and in the orthodox tradition, dresses this ideology up as scientific reality.

Mostly very competent history of economic thought stretching back to Adam Smith but clear ideological bias

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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 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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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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