Whether in universities or in the real world, most economists firmly believe that competitive inequality and private wealth accumulation are central, natural, and desirable features of a vibrant, efficient economy. This value system provides their analysis and their recommendations. Most economists outside the academy are employed directly by institutions that have benefited heavily from the current, unilateral economic system. We need a more democratic economics, a more grassroots approach, and we need an economics that is not based on abstract assumptions, but instead starts from the concrete conditions in the lives of average people. We need economics for everyone.

People who make important financial decisions and provide important financial advice should be formally trained in economics. But debates on economic issues are not technical debates, where only experts rule the day. In the broadest sense of that word they are deep political debates, in which different groups of people have different interests, know their interests, and naturally work to promote them. This happens everywhere in the economy, and economics shouldn't pretend it doesn't.

The economic interests of the hard working laborer are very different from those of the red suspended currency trader. It belongs to the merchant as much as the laborer has to say about economics. (In fact, in strict economic terms, the laborer almost certainly creates more real value than the currency trader. Even with huge amounts of money passing through the trader's computer every business day). But the elitism of economics weakens and silences the voice of the naysayers.

Studying the economy and learning more about how it works.

Thinking concretely about their individual role and contribution to the economy (rather than abstract indicators such as gross domestic product (GDP), stock market or foreign exchange).

Recognizing that the economy embodies specific groups of people with different interests and that economics itself reflects those differences and conflicts.

Be ready to challenge when necessary Expert economists explain the economy and tell us how to improve it.

Ordinary people have valuable financial knowledge. Above all, the analysis and advice of experts, often compromised by their position in the economy they tell us how to manage. Everyone has a stake in the economy, everyone needs to recognize and protect their financial interests. Learning about economics will help them understand where they fit into the larger system and help them fight for a better deal.

An economist might tell you that your job depends on the central bank raising interest rates to control inflation. An economist may tell you that free trade will increase productivity and thus raise incomes, an economist may tell you that eliminating unions and the minimum wage will make society richer. Never trust an economist with your job. Learn the economics yourself, this is what can protect your job.

A society in which ordinary people know more about economics and recognize the often conflicting interests in the economy is a society in which more people feel confident in deciding what is best for themselves, rather than relying on experts. It will be a more democratic society.