Jean-Baptiste Say (1767-1832) has been described as a revolutionary, an author of scholarly books and popular tracts, a social philosopher, a successful entrepreneur-a remarkable Renaissance man.
Above all, however, he was a great economist. He might best be described as a proto-Austro-Misesian, the author of the law of markets, known as Say’s law, and as the first to coin the term “entrepreneur.” Say’s concern with the average interested citizen and his zeal for economic education for the masses is most apparent in this classic work, A Treatise on Political Economy.
The book has been heralded by Mises, Hayek, Rothbard, and many modern Austrians, who depend on his insights to assist in the understanding of markets and prices. Keynes only purported to refute him, but you can decide for yourself.
This edition, edited by JLS contributor Salim Rashid and introduced by Munir Quddus, is made available to the Mises Institute by Transaction Publishers.
paperback: 488 pages



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Pierre-Joseph Proudhon considered Say as a treastise himself, among others like Smith, Ricardo and Malthus, complaining we would still need to integrate the Science of Work within political economy and law. To me, Proudhon’s prospective vision give credits to the needed merging of management sciences and occupational health sciences. Such scientific approach of work would help managers develop human-centered governance, good management and sustainable business.
References (in French) on the Université du Québec Website: Pierre-Joseph Proudhon (1809-1865)
Here we’re not talking about any kind of unecessary regulation, but more about personal liberty, collective intelligence and learning organizations that would help individuals to accomplish themselves and the puplic health to grow at the same time. Capitalism doesn’t mean we should forget about the richness of solidarity and eco-development. Work shouldn’t be an end, for it’s just a mean to live a happy and fulfilling life. Put down your weapons, the war is over! Let’s share the market and collaborate for the better, not the best.
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