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Teachings from the Worldly Philosophy
Selections from great writings on economics, annotated and introduced by a distinguished economist and teacher.
Author of The Worldly Philosophers, a 3-million-copy seller, Robert Heilbroner offers here a compendium of readings from the "worldly philosophers" themselves. The selections range from the earliest economic thought to such towering volumes as Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations, Thomas Malthus's Essay on the Principle of Population, David Ricardo's Principles of Political Economy, and John Maynard Keynes's The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money. Acting as "a docent, not merely an editor," he takes the reader through the core arguments with "brilliantly clear commentary" (New York Times Book Review).
Author of The Worldly Philosophers, a 3-million-copy seller, Robert Heilbroner offers here a compendium of readings from the "worldly philosophers" themselves. The selections range from the earliest economic thought to such towering volumes as Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations, Thomas Malthus's Essay on the Principle of Population, David Ricardo's Principles of Political Economy, and John Maynard Keynes's The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money. Acting as "a docent, not merely an editor," he takes the reader through the core arguments with "brilliantly clear commentary" (New York Times Book Review).
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1996
112 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
About the author
Robert L. Heilbroner
100 books111 followersRobert L. Heilbroner (March 24, 1919 – January 4, 2005) was an American economist and historian of economic thought. The author of some twenty books, Heilbroner was best known for The Worldly Philosophers, a survey of the lives and contributions of famous economists, notably Adam Smith, Karl Marx, and John Maynard Keynes.
Written in 1953, The Worldly Philosophers has sold nearly four million copies—the second-best-selling economics text of all time. The seventh edition of the book, published in 1999, included a new final chapter entitled "The End of Worldly Philosophy?", which included both a grim view on the current state of economics as well as a hopeful vision for a "reborn worldly philosophy" that incorporated social aspects of capitalism.
Although a highly unconventional economist, who regarded himself as more of a social theorist and "worldly philosopher" (philosopher pre-occupied with "worldly" affairs, such as economic structures), and who tended to integrate the disciplines of history, economics and philosophy, Heilbroner was nevertheless recognized by his peers as a prominent economist. He was elected Vice President of the American Economic Association in 1972.
He also came up with a way of classifying economies, as either Traditional (primarily agriculturally-based, perhaps subsistence economy), Command (centrally planned economy, often involving the state), Market (capitalism), or Mixed.
He was a trustee of the Economists for Peace and Security.
Heilbroner died on January 4, 2005 in New York, NY at the age of 85.
Written in 1953, The Worldly Philosophers has sold nearly four million copies—the second-best-selling economics text of all time. The seventh edition of the book, published in 1999, included a new final chapter entitled "The End of Worldly Philosophy?", which included both a grim view on the current state of economics as well as a hopeful vision for a "reborn worldly philosophy" that incorporated social aspects of capitalism.
Although a highly unconventional economist, who regarded himself as more of a social theorist and "worldly philosopher" (philosopher pre-occupied with "worldly" affairs, such as economic structures), and who tended to integrate the disciplines of history, economics and philosophy, Heilbroner was nevertheless recognized by his peers as a prominent economist. He was elected Vice President of the American Economic Association in 1972.
He also came up with a way of classifying economies, as either Traditional (primarily agriculturally-based, perhaps subsistence economy), Command (centrally planned economy, often involving the state), Market (capitalism), or Mixed.
He was a trustee of the Economists for Peace and Security.
Heilbroner died on January 4, 2005 in New York, NY at the age of 85.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 13, 2015
This is a good book to have on hand when writing about or discussing the ideas that are attributed to the economic theorists included in this book. While no substitute for reading the whole thing of each text, this book has excerpts of the main texts from Smith, Malthus, Mill, Veblen, Marx, and a few other key philosophers who helped shape economic theory as we know it today. Having these authors all in one book is handy, regardless of whether one agrees with Heilbroner in his interpretation of these philosophers' texts.
November 2, 2018
A great overview of economic thought for those who didn’t cover it in Econ 101 or are looking for a refresher.
October 10, 2020
This book is a compilation of extracts from various economic and related texts. Its purpose is to enable the reader to attempt to read the actual texts rather than read about someone’s interpretation of the texts. The book does succeed in getting the reading to engage with texts from popular economic books to those more obscure. Starting with extremely early references to exchange and profit, to the physiocrats, classical, marginalists, and finally twentieth century economists. Given that the passages come from foundational books, what the reader will recognize is their struggle to define the topics under discussion, expressing the difficulty of appropriate descriptions and meanings.
Heilbroner occasionally acts as a docent, placing the text into perspective. Considering the language differences between then and now, the book would have had more flow if the author acted as docent more often.
Heilbroner occasionally acts as a docent, placing the text into perspective. Considering the language differences between then and now, the book would have had more flow if the author acted as docent more often.
May 19, 2021
Economics as a subject matter can be very boring, but this author kept it interesting by including lots of details on the economists personal lives. In my opinion, it took too long to get to the author’s conclusions.
January 30, 2024
A quick and effective overview of economic thought across the ages, familiarizing the reader with economic thought from a selection of famous thought leaders on the subject.
May 30, 2011
I love Heilbroner. So accessible! So easy! Such a good writer (such a rarity in Econ)!
April 27, 2013
The language is beautiful.
November 24, 2016
Heilbroner's commentary is fantastic. My students and I really and truly enjoyed reading this. He makes economic history and philosophy accessible.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews