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How Evil Are Politicians?
222 pages, 2022
economics & politics
987 booksBryan Caplan, Professor of Economics at George Mason University, and New York Times Bestselling author of Open Borders, The Myth of the Rational Voter, Selfish Reasons to Have More Kids, and The Case Against Education, blogged for EconLog from 2005-2022. How Evil Are Politicians? collects his best essays on how political leaders use absurd claims to amass power.
Caplan explores how successful demagogues appeal to Social Desirability Bias--that is crowd-pleasing absurdities like "Victory at any price" and "If it saves one life." Above all, they neglect Spiderman's principle that "With great power comes great responsibility." Democrats and dictators left and right rely on absurd lies--and they neglect the responsibility that goes along with having power over other people's lives.
In 'How Evil Are Politicians?', Bryan Caplan explores the true nature of politicians. He suggests that politicians are not inherently evil, but are often driven by self-interest and the desire to maintain power. This is a key point to remember when evaluating their actions and decisions.
Caplan digs into the influence of public opinion on politicians. He argues that politicians often mirror the views of their constituents, even when those views are misguided or uninformed. This is a crucial takeaway for anyone looking to understand the dynamics of political decision-making.
The book also takes a look at the power of lobbying in politics. Caplan reveals how lobbyists can sway politicians to act in ways that benefit their clients, often at the expense of the public good. This insight can help you see why certain policies are enacted, despite their apparent drawbacks.
Caplan's research into the political system reveals an unsettling truth - the illusion of democracy. He suggests that while we may believe we live in a democratic society, the reality is that our voices often go unheard. This is a thought-provoking point that challenges our understanding of democracy.
Finally, 'How Evil Are Politicians?' emphasizes the importance of political literacy. Caplan argues that a well-informed public is the best defense against political manipulation. This takeaway encourages us to educate ourselves about politics and to engage in informed discussions about political issues.