Happy Holiday Wishes and Great New Content ⛄

Econlib Newsletter
December 2021

Dear friends,

As I think about what to say this month, I can't help but reflect back on our December issue of last year, which I started by saying, "Have we ever looked forward to year's end more than in 2020?" Well... I'm not going to say that again! Whatever 2021 had in store for you, we hope you've been able to weather the continued COVID-coaster and are finding some peace and good fellowship during this holiday season. We at Econlib remain as grateful for all of you as ever, and YOU have certainly helped us weather this past year!

This month, as always, we have terrific fresh content for you. See below for the latest Book Reviews, Articles, and podcasts, plus another opportunity to join us for a Virtual Reading Group on Joseph Schumpeter. We've also released a new online-only Biography this month, Angus Deaton. We've explored the new opportunities for deregulation and the history of climate change at EconLog, along with joining our local Buy Nothing groups. The COVID pandemic continues to occupy a lot of our attention... For now, let's all hope for a happier, healthier New Year for our world.

Until next month, stay well, and stay curious.

Forward

NEW Econlib Articles: December 2021

Israel Kirzner and the "European Miracle"

By Rosolino Candela

Why did Western Europe achieve greater and faster economic growth than China? “Given that, for most of its history, Europe was both a cultural and technological backwater compared to China, this empirical fact presents a puzzle that cannot be explained solely by a Schumpeterian account of entrepreneurship.” Kirznerian entrepreneurship, suggests Rosolono Candela, offers a better answer. Read More.

Toward the Final Transition

By Stephen Davies

How is the modern world different from the greater part of the historic human past? The key concept, as outlined by Vaclav Smil's newest book, is that of a transition. “[Smil] takes the view that attempts to identify causes for observable major changes are almost always bound to fail because of methodological challenges but, above all, because of the central role of contingency and randomness in the historical human story.” Read More.

When the Elite Become the Elect

By Arnold Kling

What does it mean to be anti-racist? In his newest book, John McWhorter argues it has become a new sort of religion–albeit unintentionally–and that those who identify as anti-racist would object to it being characterized as such. How then should it be characterized? Read More.

Speculations on Origins and Endings: An Essay on The Essential UCLA School of Economics
By Michael L. Davis

EconLog's own David Henderson recently co-authored (with Steven Globerman) a guide which Michael Davis describes this month as "advocacy for a unifying approach to economics." So just what constitutes the "UCLA School" of economics, and what might that unifying theme be? Read More.

P.S. You can explore the entire series of "Essential Scholars" publications here.

Over 800 Episodes of EconTalk

Michael Faye and Paul Niehaus on GiveDirectly

Economic theory teaches that people make choices that provide them with the greatest benefit. So why not extend this idea to the realm of charity? Economists and social entrepreneurs Michael Faye and Paul Niehaus of GiveDirectly argue that giving people cash with no strings attached is the most cost-effective means of helping the poorest people in the world and their communities. Explore more.

More Recent Episodes:

P.S. As you start thinking about your favorite EconTalk episodes of this year, take a look back at those you selected as the best of 2020.

Virtual Reading Group, February 2022

Joseph Schumpeter's Capitalism, Socialism, and Democracy

Please join us for three Tuesday sessions to explore Schumpeter's most famous work and its enduring insights for today.

Pre-registration is required. Participants will need to acquire a copy of Joseph A. Schumpeter's Capitalism, Socialism, and Democracy. Participants who successfully complete ALL sessions will be eligible to receive an Amazon e-gift certificate.

Copyright © 2021, Liberty Fund, Inc. All rights reserved.

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