Why Liberalism Works

Deirdre Nansen McCloskey has been distinguished professor of economics and history and professor of English and communications at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is the author of numerous books, including Bourgeois Equality: How Ideas, Not Capital or Institutions, Enriched the World.

“To get the most out of the book, you do have to come to terms with McCloskey’s idiosyncratic prose style: simultaneously erudite, conversational and forthright”—Robert Colvile, The Times“Tragically, many of the topics and ideas covered here are ignored by most economists. Happily, Deirdre McCloskey writes about them with great insight, style, and clarity.”—Russ Roberts, author of How Adam Smith Can Change Your Life“Deirdre McCloskey is a truly humane liberal, and these essays show off her philosophy at its best.”—Tyler Cowen, author of Big Business: A Love Letter to an American Anti-Hero  "Beginning with the simple but fertile idea that people should not push other people around, Deirdre McCloskey presents an elegant defense of 'true liberalism' as opposed to its well-meaning rivals on the left and the right. Erudite, but marvelously accessible and written in a style that is at once colloquial and astringent."—Stanley Fish, author of  The First: How To Think About Hate Speech, Campus Speech, Religious Speech, Fake News, Post-Truth, and Donald Trump“With her usual panache and conviction, Deirdre McCloskey advocates an unfashionably sensible—and humane—political philosophy, reclaiming for the term ‘liberal’ its original meaning. Whatever you call it, the world needs more of her respect for freedom and individual dignity.”—Diane Coyle, University of Cambridge“Deirdre McCloskey’s book thoughtfully advances the important conversation of the Great Enrichment with the substance and style for which she is known.”—Vernon L. Smith, Nobel Laureate in Economics