Europe's Philosophy of Failure

April 8, 2008 / Add comment

A look at the economics textbooks used in schools in France and Germany does much to explain those countries' policies, Theil writes. For example, a recent French textbook describes capitalism as "savage" and "American," while a German text recommends anti-reform protests to combat unemployment. Considering this "highly biased" education, Theil argues that it's clear why these students later support policies not in their own interest. Assuming the examples he cites are representative, Theil persuasively shows why French and Germans think the way they do -- and what might be done to soften their views.