There's No Free Lunch: 250 Economic Truths Hardcover – November 9, 2021

Who says there’s no free lunch? David Bahnsen does, in his new book, “There’s No Free Lunch.” It is a compendium of some of the greatest historical economic writings, consisting of a quote with Bahnsen’s commentary attached, each fitting (with rare exception) onto one neat page. I liken it to a Reader’s Digest of sound economic theory. Better yet, it is structured in such a way that it could be used as an economics daily devotional, wherein you take one page per day, meditate on it, and absorb its truth. It’s not only a quick first read, but also something that you’ll want to re-read, and refer to over and over, because there’s just so much wisdom contained therein.Bahnsen is an apostle of the gospel of the open market. As such, he sees truths that are as self-evident to his view of economics as are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness to constitutionalism. He extols freedom, virtue, and private property rights. He rails against government intrusion into the open market through excessive regulation and taxation, wage/price manipulation, and redistribution. And all his postulations relate to the quotes of the economic sages.The foundation of the book, which undergirds Bahnsen’s rigorous defense of capital markets, is an implicit understanding of Biblical principles. I especially enjoyed the chapter on Covetousness and Class Envy. In it, he points out that much of what is wrong with the current state of economics stems from society’s violation of the Tenth Commandment. He asserts that capitalist activity should not be driven by craven greed, but informed by what he calls “the world-transforming uniqueness of American aspiration.” In later chapters, he acknowledges “the dark side of the human condition” and says that “a lack of character undermines our efforts in a free economy.” The book is by no means a Christian apologetic, but the spirit of the Scriptures comes through in his economic worldview.It is often said that one must not judge a book by its cover, and in this case it’s true. If I have one criticism of the book, it is the cover! Bahnsen’s publisher did him no favor by allowing the first word “There’s” to be hyphenated. The first line reads “Ther-“ and the second “e’s” followed by each word on an individual line. I don’t know of any printing standard in which a single-syllable word can be hyphenated! Were I to see this on a bookstore shelf, I might skip the book for this stylistic faux pas. If there is a second printing, I’d advise getting it corrected. Even so, I do wholeheartedly recommend this terrific book.

Excellent summary of the most important economic principles to human flourishing. These principles are not new but filled with timeless wisdom (indeed many have roots in scripture). I wish this was a required reading when I was in college! Definitely a resource to continually revisit and meditate on for a lifetime. Reading this will leave you well equipped to defend not only capitalism and free enterprise, but also strong marriages, churches, and civic life. For a free AND virtuous society.

This David Bahnsen book takes the reader through 250 quotes from economists from centuries ago to the current day and offers his very brief but highly cogent take on each. Of course, I highly recommend the book to people that have an interest in economics, but there is something Bahnsen has for any degree of familiarity with this field of study because at the heart of Bahnsen's book (and his burning desire in general) is to share truth about what enables - and stifles - human flourishing. Bahnsen is not content to offer up a dry rehash of economic thought leaders through the ages...he wants to make your life richer through enlightenment in 22 specific areas of life, and quite possibly tear down some preconceived notions you have surely heard for many years in the process.

Short title but many things to ponder while reading. You will put it down to think time and again.

This guy - David Bahnsen - is practical and pretty dang smart. Good book - look forward to reading more from him!

Good stuff but some spelling errors and grammatical mistakes.For example, in page 136, the book states:“If any of these things are acceptable, than what do we need free market for at all?”I noticed sentences that are incoherent. I’m giving it five stars anyway for effort.

Most pages in this book are a quote the author has selected with his brief comments on the subject. While the quotes and comments are interesting and thought provoking, I would have preferred less quotes with more discussion of each.

David Bahnsen is a man after my own free-market heart. This is a collection of undeniable wisdom. Bahnsen's own reflections, presented as brief introductions to the sections, are also gems. Get it. So good.

Misunderstandings abound concerning economics, yet we live in a time when everyone needs to have a solid foundation to avoid the many pitfalls. This book will help many achieve a solid perspective on economics. Well written and easily understood by anyone.

This is an excellent read for those interested in how money, enterprise, liberty and wealth work. It consists of a series of quotes on economics from various sources, together with the author's thoughtful, pithy commentary on each one.The author has clearly thought a great deal about the topic, so there's a consistency throughout the book about the inevtable principles underlying the national and international economy, as well as the many and varied levels of economic exchange right down to personal finances.Buy 2 copies and lend one around to friends etc. Keep the other as a resource on your financial wisdom bookshelf.