Bryan Caplan Books

Bryan Caplan is a professor of economics at George Mason University and the father of three children. The New York Times called his first book, The Myth of the Rational Voter the “best political book of the year.”

  1. 1The Myth of the Rational Voter

    The Myth of the Rational Voter

    Bryan Caplan

    Why Democracies Choose Bad Policies

    3.5 (47 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's The Myth of the Rational Voter about?

    The Myth of the Rational Voter (2007) is all about the barriers our democracy faces and why they matter. These blinks break down the various misconceptions people have regarding democracy, explaining how they connect to flaws in the democratic method and show why our current forms of democracy don’t work.

    Who should read The Myth of the Rational Voter?

    • People who care about politics and leadership
    • Anyone with an interest in economics and its everyday applications
    • Any reader wondering how democratic elections can consistently produce such bad results
  2. 2The Case Against Education

    The Case Against Education

    Bryan Caplan

    Why the Education System Is a Waste of Time and Money

    3.8 (216 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:00

    What's The Case Against Education about?

    The Case Against Education (2018) takes orthodox opinion about education and turns it on its head. It argues that, far from turning students into skillful and productive workers, education serves primarily to verify employable character traits. Using this insight as its central premise, it goes on to argue that education needs to be substantially reformed.

    Who should read The Case Against Education?

    • Public-policy buffs interested in educational reform
    • Teachers and educators willing to engage with shocking ideas
    • Young people wondering if college is for them