Economics in Two Lessons

A masterful introduction to the key ideas behind the successes - and failures - of free-market economics

Since 1946, Henry Hazlitt's bestselling Economics in One Lesson has popularised the belief that economics can be boiled down to one simple lesson: market prices represent the true cost of everything. But one-lesson economics tells only half the story. It can explain why markets often work so well, but it can't explain why they often fail so badly - or what we should do when they stumble.

As Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Samuelson quipped, 'When someone preaches Economics in One Lesson, I advise: Go back for the second lesson.'

In Economics in Two Lessons, John Quiggin teaches both lessons, offering a masterful introduction to the key ideas behind the successes - and failures - of free markets. Economics in Two Lessons explains why market prices often fail to reflect the full cost of our choices to society as a whole. For example, every time we drive a car, fly in a plane, or flick a light switch, we contribute to global warming. But, in the absence of a price on carbon emissions, the costs of our actions are borne by everyone else. In such cases, government action is needed to achieve better outcomes.

Two-lesson economics means giving up the dogmatism of laissez-faire as well as the reflexive assumption that any economic problem can be solved by government action, since the right answer often involves a mixture of market forces and government policy. But the payoff is huge: understanding how markets actually work - and what to do when they don't.

Brilliantly accessible, Economics in Two Lessons unlocks the essential issues at the heart of any economic question.

'This is a highly readable introduction to the intellectual framework of modern policy economics, with plenty of lively examples.' - Diane Coyle, Enlightened Economist

'The themes are complex, but the writing is clear, and the journey is rewarding.' - BizEd


'There is little doubt that Quiggin's Economics in Two Lessons will be an instant classic and feature on university reading lists around the world. It should also be compulsory reading for policymakers and public commentators, who all too often lack a framework for thinking clearly about the costs and benefits of markets. The good news is that Quiggin has one -and he's happy to share.' - Richard Holden, Inside Story