Free to Choose

Free to Choose. It is a ten-part television series and accompanying book that presents the economic and social philosophy of Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman. First broadcast on the PBS network in 1980, the series advocates for the principles of free-market economics, classical liberalism, and limited government. The work became a foundational text for the Reagan Revolution and a touchstone for libertarianism in the late 20th century, directly challenging the prevailing Keynesian and welfare state consensus.

Overview

The series was created during a period of significant economic turmoil, including stagflation in the United States and growing skepticism toward government intervention. Its central thesis, derived from Chicago School thought, argues that individual freedom is inextricably linked to economic freedom and that voluntary exchange in competitive markets is the cornerstone of a prosperous society. Each episode focuses on a specific theme, such as inflation, education, or consumer protection, contrasting Friedman's views with alternative perspectives, often through filmed debates with opponents like Frances Fox Piven and Donald Rumsfeld. The companion volume, co-authored by Friedman and his wife Rose Friedman, became an international bestseller, translated into numerous languages including Japanese and Russian.

Synopsis

The ten episodes systematically explore the application of free-market principles to various societal issues. "The Power of the Market" establishes the core argument, using the simple example of a pencil to illustrate spontaneous order. Subsequent installments, such as "The Tyranny of Control" and "What's Wrong with Our Schools?", critique government regulation and advocate for policies like school vouchers and the decriminalization of drugs. "Created Equal" distinguishes between equality before the law and equality of outcome, while "Who Protects the Consumer?" argues that competition, not agencies like the Food and Drug Administration, best serves the public. The final episode, "How to Stay Free," serves as a summation, warning against the encroachment of state power as seen in historical examples like the Soviet Union.

Production and release

The project was developed by Milton Friedman following the success of his earlier series, Free to Choose: A Personal Statement. Funding was provided by several foundations, including the Earhart Foundation and the Sarah Scaife Foundation. Filming took place in locations worldwide, from the New York Stock Exchange to Hong Kong, to provide comparative illustrations of economic systems. The series premiered on PBS stations in January 1980, strategically timed to influence the national debate during the presidential election that brought Ronald Reagan to power. It was subsequently distributed internationally, airing in countries including the United Kingdom and Chile, and was later released on VHS and DVD.

Reception

Initial critical reception was polarized, reflecting the era's ideological divisions. Publications like The New York Times offered mixed reviews, while conservative outlets such as National Review praised it as a clarion call. The series achieved remarkable popular success, attracting millions of viewers and making Friedman a household name. It was credited with significantly shifting public and academic discourse toward monetarism and supply-side economics. Friedman's performance was noted for its clarity and persuasive power, earning him comparisons to other great communicators like Winston Churchill. The series received several awards, including a Emmy nomination for Outstanding Informational Series.

Legacy and influence

The legacy of the series is profound, cementing Milton Friedman's status as the most influential public intellectual of free-market ideas in the post-war era. It provided an intellectual blueprint for the policies of the Reagan administration and Margaret Thatcher's government in the United Kingdom, influencing deregulation, tax cuts, and monetary policy. The work inspired a generation of thinkers, journalists, and politicians, including Arthur Laffer, Walter Williams, and Glenn Beck. Its arguments continue to resonate in contemporary debates over healthcare reform, climate change policy, and central banking, particularly within institutions like the Cato Institute and the Heritage Foundation. The complete series remains freely available, archived by the Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice, ensuring its continued role in economic education.