It is worth reading: “National farm applied i.e. the principles of learning the national farm, applied to practice” by Frederick Skarbek

Although the title long and academically sounding, the work of Frederick Skarbek is much more than just a textbook of economics. This is an effort to put together the basics of the national economy in the realities of 19th century Poland, but with a universal message that does not lose to the actuality.

The treasurer, economist, thinker and mentor of young Frederick Chopin builds his reflections on the foundation of sober realism. It's not just a theory, but it makes you look at the economy through the prism of everyday community life. It discusses the importance of work, capital, production, exchange and consumption, but always with a view to man and the social impact of economical activities.

The strength of the book is its affordability despite its specialized subject matter. The treasure can compose clearly without falling into a hermetic tongue. For the modern reader, it is simply a fresh view of the economy as a social field, not just a mathematical-statistical one.

The author teaches that the economy is not only profit and competition, but besides responsibility, balance and long-term thinking. It indicates that no economical improvement makes sense without knowing the social structure and real needs of citizens. This approach can be an inspiration in the era of simplified marketplace narratives.

“National farm used...” is simply a demanding but very developing reading. The Treasury gives tools to think about the economy in a liable and holistic way. At a time erstwhile quarterly reasoning prevails, it reminds of the value of long horizons and economical reason. For anyone who wants to realize economics not only as a strategy of numbers, but as a mechanics that affects human life, it is worth reading.

Frederick Skarbek (1792–1866) is an different figure, although a small forgotten today. He was a prof. of economics, historian, sociologist, author and state official. His achievements include not only theoretical works, but besides concrete actions to modernise the economy of the Kingdom of Poland. He co-founded the foundations of modern economical thought in Poland, and his approach to the economy — realistic, humanistic and rooted in social values — was innovative for his time.

As a lecturer in the Main School and a associate of the State Council, he had a real impact on education and economical policy. He felt that economics should be a applicable science, serving people, not just a explanation separated from reality. His texts include concern for the poorest layers, the request for equal opportunities and the importance of education as a tool for improving the economical situation of society.

Treasurer represented a kind of applicable intellectual — he did not lock himself in an ivory tower, but he was active in improving national existence. His ideas inspired contemporary ones, but they can besides inspire today. At a time erstwhile many economical debates come down to ideological clashes, The Treasury teaches how to think about the economy responsibly, with a view to man and the future of the country. It's worth rediscovering.