logo

53 pages 1 hour read

Capitalism And Freedom

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1962

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Milton Friedman

Capitalism And Freedom

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1962
Book Details
Pages

230

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

1960s

Publication Year

1962

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

First published in 1962, Capitalism and Freedom is a nonfiction book about economics, politics, and government. Author Milton Friedman advocates a classical-liberal approach to economic policy in the United States, one that promotes individual freedom by allowing the free market to function as effectively as possible. The book discusses topics such as the Great Depression, education, discrimination, and social welfare programs.

Informative

Challenging

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.3

16,727 ratings

74%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Milton Friedman's Capitalism and Freedom is lauded for its compelling argument on the interdependence of economic and political freedom. Critics praise its clarity and insightful analysis but point to an overly simplistic view of market limitations and social welfare. The book remains influential in discussions on economic policy and free-market principles.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Capitalism And Freedom?

Readers who would enjoy Capitalism and Freedom by Milton Friedman are typically interested in classical liberalism, free-market economics, and libertarian theory. Comparable works include Friedrich Hayek's The Road to Serfdom and Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged. These readers value discussions on economic policies and personal liberties from a libertarian perspective.

4.3

16,727 ratings

74%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Character List

Milton Friedman

An economist and Nobel Prize recipient who presents arguments for the free market and critiques socialism, egalitarianism, and paternalism while advocating for classical liberal ideas.

A proponent of free market principles and minimal government intervention, characterized by a commitment to individual freedom and voluntary cooperation.

Criticized for valuing government intervention in the economy and perceived as illogical in political and economic reasoning, often conflicting with liberal views.

Focused on equality and equal treatment, often supporting wealth redistribution and sometimes in conflict with the liberal viewpoint of prioritizing freedom.

Believes in government care for individuals deemed unable to care for themselves but is criticized for underestimating people's abilities and infringing on personal dignity.

Recognized as an important entity in capitalism, corporations should be monitored to prevent monopolies and collusion, and are encouraged to focus on the interest of stockholders.

Book Details
Pages

230

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

1960s

Publication Year

1962

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.