Free to Choose is truly an economic classic.  First published in 1980, the book came about when many people believes that socialism was a promising system for promoting material prosperity and human freedom.  In 1990, when the book was republished, the Friedmans noted that even after the collapse of the Soviet Union, "political leaders in capitalist countries . . . continue to favor socialist solutions."  Unfortunately, the Friedmans' observation remains true today.

When people clamor for universal health care, the Friedmans' excellent chapter on "Cradle to Grave" government care in the U.S. and other countries proffers numerous cautionary tales.  When liberals bemoan the death of unions in the U.S., we would do well to remember that "the gains that strong unions win for their members are primarily at the expense of other workers."  When Congress ponders whether to expand the FDA's powers, the Friedmans' historical analysis of the FDA's increase in powers and glaring decrease in efficiency provides a vital voice of dissent.