Bryan Caplan Quotes

Economist
1971

Bryan Caplan is an American economist and professor at George Mason University. He is known for his work in public choice theory and libertarianism. Caplan’s notable works include “The Myth of the Rational Voter” and “The Case Against Education.” He is also a blogger and frequent contributor to various publications, advocating for free market policies and challenging conventional wisdom on issues such as immigration and education. Caplan’s writing is characterized by his use of economic principles to analyze and critique societal and political issues. He is a controversial figure in the field of economics, but his work has sparked important discussions and debates on the role of government and individual decision-making in society.Read Less

The best social insurance is to make more progress, not to make more work Feraz Zeid, December 28, 2023, Bryan Caplan, Progress, 0

- Bryan Caplan

Economist

Progress

Worldviews are more a mental security blanket than a serious effort to understand the world Feraz Zeid, December 28, 2023, Bryan Caplan, Effort, Serious, 0

- Bryan Caplan

Economist

Bryan Caplan Career Highlights

Caplan received his Bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of California, Berkeley in 1993 and his PhD in economics from Princeton University in 1997.
He joined the faculty at George Mason University in 2003 and has been a professor of economics there ever since.
In 2007, Caplan published his first book, “The Myth of the Rational Voter: Why Democracies Choose Bad Policies,” which became a New York Times bestseller and received widespread acclaim.
He has published numerous articles in top economics journals, including the American Economic Review, Journal of Political Economy, and Quarterly Journal of Economics.
Caplan has also been a regular contributor to popular media outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post.
In 2018, he published his second book, “The Case Against Education: Why the Education System Is a Waste of Time and Money,” which also became a bestseller and sparked widespread debate and discussion.

Key Contributions by Bryan Caplan

Caplan’s research has focused on public choice theory, which examines how individuals make decisions in the political sphere.
He has challenged traditional economic assumptions about rationality and self-interest, arguing that individuals often make irrational and biased decisions when it comes to politics.
Caplan’s work on the “rational irrationality” of voters has been particularly influential, as he argues that voters often hold irrational beliefs and support policies that are not in their best interest.
He has also made significant contributions to the field of immigration economics, advocating for open borders and challenging common misconceptions about the economic impact of immigration.

What Sets Him Apart:

Caplan’s work is often controversial and challenges conventional economic and political thinking.
He is known for his provocative and contrarian views, which have sparked debate and discussion among economists and the general public.
Caplan’s writing is accessible and engaging, making complex economic concepts and theories more understandable for a wider audience.
He is also known for his use of humor and satire in his writing, making his work both informative and entertaining.

Takeaways

Caplan’s work has shed light on the limitations of democracy and the flaws in the education system.
He has challenged traditional economic assumptions and provided new insights into human behavior in the political sphere.
Caplan’s work has sparked important discussions about the role of government and the impact of policies on individuals and society.
His research and writing have made economics more accessible and relevant to a wider audience, encouraging more people to engage with economic issues.

Other People