Are the Rich Necessary?: Great Economic Arguments and How They Reflect Our Personal Values

Are the Rich Necessary? is not well named. It is actually a collection of economic arguments for and against different ideas. I found this book entertaining and educational. The format of the book is a little bit odd. The author will take one point of view for one chapter, then the other point of view in the next chapter. Sometimes he will give points and counterpoints within the same chapter. He makes a valiant effort to present both sides of the story on each issue, though you can tell which way he is leaning (or maybe you will just be more sympathetic to one argument over another. The book covers a variety of economic arguments, including the role of the rich, different economic philosophies and whether or not having the Fed is worthwhile (which I had never really thought about, but found his case for dissolving the Fed very reasonable). This book is a great economic primer on many salient economic issues today and should be required reading for everyone. It will help you better understand why people argue for the things that they do. The economics is not too tough, but a little background in economics may be helpful. The only reason it does not get five stars is that it gets a little slow sometimes, but overall it is a short, easy-to-read book (about 250 smaller pages). I highly recommend to all capable readers.

I bought this book after reading the very positive New York Times review a few weeks ago. I had also seen Mr Lewis on Bloomberg TV and thought he seemed extremely knowledgeable. He is and the book is a real treat - it's provocative because it makes you think about why you think what you think (and I was surprised at the direction these answers led me) and it's pleasurable because Lewis quotes from as many unlikely sources - Jane Goodall and Al Sharpton, to name just two - as likely sources such as John Maynard Keynes. With a title like Are the Rich Necessary? you have to surmise there will be curves ahead - and there are, and they're fun, but the best curve for me was the learning curve. I learned so much.

For anyone who wants to understand what economics is really all about, and how it affects our lives. Definitely not the dry text from my college economics course, instead a very easy read.

I don't understand Jim Harrigan's comment; the title of the book says it's about economics. Did he buy the book without reading the title? I myself found the book quite insightful and would highly recommend the book to others.

As the title indicates, "Are The Rich Necessary" provides thoughtful examination and analysis of an array of topical economic arguments. Further, the author's analysis is supported with that of other key economic thinkers. The result is a great introduction to ecomomic structure and philosophy.