https://www.amazon.com/Mere-Economics-Lessons-Ordinary-Business/dp/B0D2SD1MK7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1YSVR3MX5TQT3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.OrmGzTBp2w7qvManL71SoyrKQBy9c0xe8uCumV3HfLKlIKK6pwEVJJN_8xsfd36S1ARQefhLUKhBD4OQAJFZQ2mbEcz4OhbuZ7v2Ot74S3zUrb_yxr1cKjJwpwUkErWzVulp7hXSxDQdTFy7MDsJpQIWk-D9tyIpzRzelUxLZimSpuQBvk4aYBRjXZHNl4BJBPgD-0JTkSaHX4oNvOqdHxgnHfAvpy-LEkPt3Gdkd-Y.C803vELUABt5cEOjnFhW453YJWTGXULFLwaU275h4Zw&dib_tag=se&keywords=mere+economics&qid=1718992035&sprefix=mere+economics%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-1
<aside> What a brilliantly titled book (if you don’t get it, read the book)! And the content matches the title. Art Carden and Caleb Fuller have written a book that provides an extremely accessible introduction to fundamental economics, and links it in eye-opening ways to Holy Scripture. They do it in a way that demonstrates deep learning and understanding, not just of economics but also of theology and moral philosophy. This is much more than a text for introductory economics teaching, but also a sustained reflection on how Christians may relate to the market order and the theory of this order.
~ Nicolai J. Foss, Professor of Strategy, Copenhagen Business School
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<aside> Did you think economics was boring or inscrutable—or useless? Then you haven’t read Mere Economics*. Do you think economics is depressing, immoral, or “dismal”? Then you* need to read Mere Economics*. If you do, you may be surprised to discover how much of our lives, both historically and in the present, the simple principles of economics can explain. You may also be surprised how much our lives have improved over the last 200 years, and how much of that economics can explain too. And you may be even more surprised to discover how consistent a sound economics is with Christian principles of dignity, personhood, purpose, and prosperity. Art Carden and Caleb Fuller have done us a great service by explaining economic elements and errors, and having done so not just with relatable examples and illustrations but with wit and even humor. An enlightening and engaging book that somehow also manages to inspire. A delight to read!*
~ James R. Otteson, John T. Ryan Jr. Professor of Business Ethics**,** University of Notre Dame; author of Seven Deadly Economic Sins (2021)
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<aside> The Bible tells us to "love one another." But the world is big, and love is scarce. Adam Smith's great insight was that ‘the Author of nature’ allows us to serve others in markets as if we loved everyone. In Mere Economics we learn the fundamentals of markets, and how that system can work for all of us.
~ Michael C. Munger, Professor of Political Science and Economics, Duke University
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<aside> Free enterprise is once again under fire. After a brief disorientation that followed the fall of the Evil Empire, much of the left has returned to advocating many of the policies that failed in the past. More recently, large parts of the right have been seduced by the siren song of protectionism into rejecting the economic system that made America the most powerful and richest large country in the history of the world. Mere Economics should be read by those who wish to understand the true economic reasons for America’s greatness.
~ Marian L. Tupy, Senior Fellow, Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity, Cato Institute
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<aside> Caleb Fuller and Art Carden provide a concise, creative and engaging introduction to the “dismal science” of economics, treating it as anything but dismal. They accomplish their goal—presenting the reader with the state of the science in economics, things that often seem counter-intuitive at first glance, but turn out to make sense. In addition, they provide an excellent model of theological integration with economics, demonstrating how it could be done with other disciplines. Highly recommended!
~ Scott B. Rae, Dean of Faculty, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University
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<aside> Economic truths are more ingrained into our everyday lives than we realize. They allow us to live out our liberties in ways that promote everyone’s well-being. In Mere Economics*, Art Carden and Caleb S. Fuller show us that economics is no dismal science. Their achievement is to demonstrate how economics helps us live out our dignity and bolster that of others this side of eternity.*
~ Samuel Gregg, Friedrich Hayek Chair in Economics and Economic History, American Institute for Economic Research
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<aside> The authors have succeeded in their goal of communicating key economic ideas in a clear, accessible, and even entertaining way, cogently weaving Christian perspectives into their 'study of how people expand their options by cooperating.' Mere Economics is a valuable resource for those seeking to improve their understanding of economics from a Christian perspective.
~ Robert E. Brooks, Emeritus Professor of Finance, University of Alabama
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<aside> Mere Economics is a rare chance to appreciate “the ordinary business of life” in its fullness—with the eyes of Christ, as well as with the eyes of an economist. Carden and Fuller’s labor of love is a gift to current and future generations of students, as it inspires the awe and appreciation that is fitting for such a subject. I look forward to the day when I can assign Mere Economics as reading for my own children.
~ Clara Piano, Religion and Liberty Online
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<aside> Art Carden and Caleb Fuller systematically dispel the ‘folly masquerading as wisdom’ that claims their faith is incompatible with support for free markets.
~ Jack Nicastro, Assistant Editor, Reason Magazine
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<aside> Mere Economics is good reading for anyone who struggles with understanding the modern liberal order and the benefits that markets provide. It can also be useful for those who are already convinced of the efficacy of a market order for dealing with human wants. Its clear presentation and numerous supporting references make for easy and convincing reading.
~ P.J. Hill, Professor Emeritus, Wheaton College
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<aside> I recommend the book to anyone who thinks that economics isn’t interesting, is only about money, or that it’s not useful to people of faith. Carden and Fuller will likely change your mind.
~ Victor Claar, Centre for Enterprise, Markets, and Ethics
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<aside> Mere Economics ought to be read by anyone seeking to better understand why the movement of goods and services is as miraculous as the movement of the stars and planets.
~ Jacqueline Isaacs, Institute for Faith, Work, and Economics
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https://www.amazon.com/No-Free-Lunch-Economic-Probably/dp/1956267123
<aside> As Josh Billings famously said, “It’s not what you don’t know that gets you in trouble. It’s the stuff you do know that just ain’t so.” Delightfully, it turns out Josh Billings never said this; neither did Mark Twain, or any of the other people who usually get credit. Misattributing a quote about false “knowledge” is a perfect introduction to this delightful book. It turns out that economics is not intuitive, for most people. Opportunity cost and unintended consequences are rarely considered, much less understood, by most people. Unfortunately, many of the most confused people are public officials. After reading this book, you may not understand economics perfectly. But you will be able to avoid believing six important “truths” that just ain’t so.
~ Michael C. Munger, Professor of Political Science and Economics, Duke University
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<aside> A welcome addition to the literature striving to eradicate one of the greatest social ills humanity faces—basic economic illiteracy.
~ Peter J. Boettke, BB&T Professor for the Study of Capitalism**;** Distinguished University Professor of Economics and Philosophy, George Mason University
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<aside> In carrying out his project, Fuller follows Frederic Bastiat and Henry Hazlitt, and he is a worthy successor of them, whom he calls “economics’ greatest communicators.”
~ David Gordon, Senior Fellow, Mises Institute
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<aside> Even if the discipline of economics is not exactly the dismal science that Carlyle said it was, it is surely one of the least understood and most mischievous of disciplines owing to the myths and downright lies that surround it. Caleb S. Fuller abolishes such myths. Standing in the tradition of the likes of Frederic Bastiat’s The Law*, Rose Wilder Lane’s* The Discovery of Freedom*, Henry Hazlitt’s* Economics in One Lesson*, we now have Professor Fuller’s highly readable,* No Free Lunch: Six Economic Lies You’ve Been Taught and Probably Believe*. Anyone who wants to have a well-rounded education will not want to be without the knowledge this book contains.*
~ Fr. Robert Sirico, Founder and President Emeritus, Acton Institute
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<aside> In No Free Lunch*, Caleb S. Fuller masterfully explains the principles of economics and illuminates how they matter for human well-being. In doing so, he joins the ranks of the great economic communicators— Frédéric Bastiat, Henry Hazlitt, and Walter Williams—in demonstrating the power of the economic way of thinking for making the world a better and more prosperous place.*
~ Christopher J. Coyne, Professor of Economics, George Mason University
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<aside> Fuller’s book is a worthy, and needed, update to the Bastiat-Hazlitt tradition. It helps that Fuller is an excellent storyteller. Even veteran economists will find new material here. No Free Lunch shows how the simple concept of opportunity costs can help anyone gain insight into how everything, from bounties to retailing, actually works.
~ Ryan Young, Senior Fellow, Competitive Enterprise Institute
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<aside> With this first book of (hopefully) many, Fuller is well on his way to securing a place as one of the great economic communicators of our generation.
~ David S. Lucas, Review of Austrian Economics
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<aside> Caleb Fuller’s book No Free Lunch: Six Economic Lies You’ve Been Taught and Probably Believe is a well-written, easy-to-read short book that clearly explains foundational concepts of economics such as opportunity cost and how incentives change behavior. It is an excellent teaching tool that can be used by high school teachers or college professors to complement standard textbooks. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
~ Ninos Malek, The Independent Review
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<aside> Fuller dismantles economic myths people still believe, which makes his book well-suited to our time.
~ Shawn Ritenour, Professor of Economics, Grove City College
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