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"Basic Economics" by Thomas Sowell

book review by Riley Burnham 11/17/2022

i quite enjoyed this one

a long [~24 hour audiobook] exploration & overview into the machinations of economy

from pricing cause-&-effect to the pitfalls of controlled pricing [see: rent controls & relationship to homelessness/housing shortages, for instance]

seems like the brunt of the book favors free  market, wherein the prices "take care of themselves" by consumers choosing best options & thus necessitating competition

he explains monopolies (real or imagined; various types) & concludes, seemingly, that a true or nefarious monopoly prevents competition [new players] from entering the game/arena

he also details how nationalization [state theft, more or less] generally does a worse job than private industry/sectors would -- pointing out that private industries have reason to compete well -- whereas public utilities are more prone to fluff & waste

good book to ponder & utilize