Robert Heilbroner 1999

[trotnixonissick]

I think he's dead wrong on the nature and approach to economics as a science, but he sounds like a very interesting guy to have a conversation with...also yes, a very annoying interviewer...also, I'm reading two of his books for econ right now, never mentions Austrian approach to economics...i wonder if he ever read mises

[hinata457678]

It's amazing that Robert Heilbroner was my uncle and I met him personality and yet I never knew he was so known...perhaps it was because I was so young.

[sirdavidhasselhoff]

Thanks so much for this. How annoying was the interviewer, rofl.

[Ranger4564]

Capitalism doesn't work, and that Heilbroner went from Socialist to Capitalist is a shame. He truly didn't accept that this whole economics thing is meant to serve all people, and as he says in this lecture about 30:00, he accepted the idea of profit and inequality. As informative as his book is on the history of commerce, it's hard to take Heilbroner's opinions seriously when he admits not knowing how various forms of Capitalism are different. Marx is far more insightful and informative.

[ChuckyChuckster]

@Ranger4564 Capitalism does work much better than Marxist-Leninism because free market capitalism is much more compatible with the vision of human rights that leads to the creation of governments accountable to the people. There Marxism fails completely, inhumanely while becoming the embodiment of evil.

[cestamour23]

This is the first book that has successfully introduced me to the world of economics with a positive light. Economics for me, was perceived as boring, worded and simply mundane. I have to give the most credit to Heilbroner's writng style. Thank goodness! (I had to read this book for AP Euro ) The writing was what lured me in. And then the presentation illuminated economics in an interesting and insightful way. Now, I actually want to learn more about economics. Thank you Heilbroner!

[Randomz7]

reading the book was like cutting my eyes out

i'd rather relive all near-death experiences than see that book again...

[WadeBlazingame34]

Randomz7: You've got to be confusing the Worldly Philosphers with Milton Friedman's book. World Philosophers was THE most readable economics book of all time.

[KerenBinyaminov]

Thank you for posting this video. This book made a great impression on me in college. I did not know Robert H was such a gentlemen.

[WadeBlazingame34]

Keren: Glad you liked the Worldly Philosophers. I took a class by Robert Heilbroner once in the 90's. He was awesome. He used to start some classes like this: "What the hell is this thing we call economics? I mean this seriously. What is economics?" Fantastic stuff from such a great man. Peace and good luck!

[KerenBinyaminov]

Thank you for your warm words. I am delighted to hear that you had an oppurtunity to sit in class with such a great and truly humble man. Be well. Sincerely, Keren Binyaminov.