Two Lucky People Milton and Rose D. Friedman University of Chicago Press, Chicago & London (1998) Few people are lucky in love, careers, friends, and influence.  This is the story of two economists who were Nobel Laureate Milton Friedman and Rose Friedman. Book Review © Dr. Terry J. van der Werff, CMC

In the preface, the authors state their aim is "to present a personal record of our lives and experiences," not to write an academic survey, an exposition of their research, or a presentation of their philosophical views.  In fact, they weave all four strands together, in a rich story of adventure and travel, friendships and solitude, research and teaching, controversy and acceptance, and massive influence on the world's economy, all rooted in a unshaken belief in personal freedom.

This is a thick, elegantly written book, dense with information.  It reads slowly at first, only because so many people make their entrances on stage, only to reappear throughout the Friedmans' lives, which happily continue well into their ninth decade.

Milton Friedman, of course, is identified with (indeed, virtually identical to) the Chicago school of monetary theory.  His research was based on research of confusing, numbing details in prices, currency exchanges, consumption patterns, and savings.  While known as a theoretician, Milton's work was grounded in reality.  His particular gift was the ability to use the theory to deduce long-term effects of a given economic policy, much to the dismay of his many critics.

While not in quite the same intellectual class as Milton (few were!), Rose was a respected economist in her own right, Milton's closest and perhaps severest critic, and co-author of many of their most influential writings, especially the best selling Freedom to Choose.

There are lessons here for all.  The devotion of two partners in life.  Tenacity in pursuing one's focus, coupled with flexibility in grasping opportunity.  Honesty, combined with courage to stand up for one's beliefs.  Being true to one's talents.  Hard work balanced by hard play.  Civility, especially when disagreeing with another's view.  And more than a little bit of economics and public policy.

Would that we were as lucky as Milton and Rose!

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