Look Who it Was Random video

P. J. O’Rourke | P.J.'s Economics 101

1,274 views · Published 6 February 2015 · 40:43 · Indexed 4 October 2026

Channel: Independent Institute · 2015 · Nonprofits & Activism

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October 29, 1998
Oakland, CA

With his numerous books, articles and essays about politics, war and social disorder under his belt, it was only a matter of time until P.J. O'Rourke found his way to the subject of his new book, "Eat the Rich." In "Parliament of Whores," he lampooned the entire U.S. government. "All the Troubles in the World" attacked the pandemic worries of the politically correct; and this time – it's the economy, stupid! What is wealth and how do we get it? Or as he asks, "Why do some places prosper and thrive while others just stink?"

As most people (along with many "experts") try to fathom the volatility of financial markets and the complexities of global economies, the man who Time magazine has called "one of America's most hilarious and provocative writers" brings it all into perspective. Who else but P.J. could provide this primer on Wall Street: "In order to understand the stock market we have to realize that, like anything enormous and inert, it's fundamentally stable, and like anything emotion-driven, it's volatile as hell."

But he doesn't stop there. Embarking from Wall Street, P.J. takes us on a hilarious and enlightening worldwide tour of the foibles of governments from Russia to Tanzania, from Albania to Shanghai, and from Hong Kong to Havana, and revisits college economics courses, counteracting them with his own version of Econ 101. 

The result is the world's only astute, comprehensive and comic presentation of the basic principles of economics that will truly make you laugh on purpose. 

P. J. O’Rourke
Bestselling Author, Humorist and Political Satirist
Author, Eat the Rich: A Treatise in Economics

David J. Theroux
Founder and President, The Independent Institute

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