The Joy of Freedom

Freedom. Freedom from government meddling and taxation. Freedom of association. These freedoms are inseparable, and they are the engines of human progress. A simple idea? Perhaps. Yet this simple idea has been responsible for more human happiness than any other. In The Joy of Freedom, David R. Henderson shines a light on freedom at work in every corner of human life, making the most powerful case for free markets since Milton and Rose Friedmans Free to Choose. Along the way, he demolishes the conventional "wisdom" that has justified governments role in environmental regulation, education, social security, and healthcare; and shows once and for all why government programs perpetuate poverty instead of eliminating it. Forget the "dismal science": Economist Henderson writes with passion about the joyous science. You will always know where he stands: with freedom, and against tyranny-in any guise.Free and healthy, at half the costHow deregulation and the Internet can make healthcare more competitive-and less expensiveNatures best friend: property rights How property rights are protecting wildlife, from elephants to hawksInterviewing Ralph NaderNader defends regulations that kill thousands of people every yearGovernments promote racism and free markets combat itSome fascinating stories on South Africa, the United States, and Schindlers ListBeyond public schools: education in a free societyThe 10 most important things youve learnedFree markets: empowering the poor, worldwideProperty ownership: the best solution for abolishing hunger and povertyThe worlds most powerful idea: for real joy, you need real freedom.*The strongest arguments for free markets since Milton Friedmans Free to Choose *A personal manifesto from one of the worlds leading economists*How freedom unleashes extraordinary improvements in every area of human societyThe Joy of Freedom: An Economists Odyssey brings free market economics to life through stories of those who have discovered it in their own lives. David R.Henderson, one of the worlds most vigorous advocates of free markets, celebrates those in American society-and around the world-who are fighting to get the government off their backs. No writer has more masterfully illustrated the centrality of freedom and enlightened self-interest to a well-run economy-and a good society. Henderson demonstrates the power-and the potential-of free markets to improve the environment, education, health, community, culture, and every other aspect of life that matters. This plain-speaking book crystallizes the inherent contradictions between government and freedom, showing why even the most well-intentioned governments can deliver nothing but disaster. For those who already believe in free markets, this book offers powerful ammunition; for those who are skeptical, it will be a revelation. "The Joy of Freedom is a quasi-autobiographical clarion call for a free society. It is passionate and eloquent, yet at the same time, thoughtful, informed, and