In any country, one of the prerequisites for successful economic policy-making is a minimal economic literacy among its citizenry. This selection of popular essays in economics is a contribution towards bringing the ideas of economics within the reach of the general reader. In characteristically lively and readable style, free of jargon and ambiguity, the author writes on subjects of Indian and international concern. The themes vary widely - from the sections on economists and opinions, and methodological issues, to essays on practical matters like budgets and fiscal policy, inflation, infrastructural bottlenecks, trade and international credit. Particularly thought provoking are the author's views on corruption, which can be a complex and interesting subject of study for social scientists.