The Myth of A. S.: A Conjectural History or Fable

A Corn Farmer

Journal of the History of Economic Thought, 1987, vol. 9, issue 1, 85-88

Abstract: Once upon a time, economists possessed an Anonyomous Saint, who will be called “A. S.” for short. Like most patron saints, A. S. provided economists with the theme that guides their lives–the idea that the desire for advancement comes to us in the womb and drives us until we are in the tomb. This fundamental conception was elaborated upon in a book entitled, with prophetic anticipation, WoN. That economists have failed to apply the self-interest thesis to the saint himself only serves to illustrate the adage about prophets being without honor in their own country. As a capable administrator, a sound committee man, an astute seeker of patronage and a professor of rhetoric to boot, A.S. was surely aware of all the worldly and literary ways of establishing a reputation. I will try to examine A.S.'s life by using the much neglected method of conjectural history–a form of writing that believes it justifiable to reconstruct history from rational conjectures, in this case the motives of men, when facts are not to be found. A set of mythical footnotes for this fable of mine is available; to obtain these, readers have merely to prove that they are about to sue for libel.

Date: 1987
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