Ask HN: Best book(s) to learn about the basics of economics?

Predictably Irrational is good.

To get into behavioral economics, I'd recommend Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely

Indeed, that's the single best book to start with.

'Economics In One Lesson' by Henry Hazlitt

Economics in One Lesson by Hazlitt

I second Hazlitt "Economics in One Lesson".

My favorite book is "Economics in One Lesson".

Sowell's Basic Economics is the easiest to read one I have seen, and for the math phobic it has no equations.

This should be required reading everywhere.

Basic Economics by Thomas Sowell

Here's another vote for Basic Economics. It's a great (and fairly thorough) overview

Basic Economics by Thomas Sowell

Wealth of Nations is a great read

I agree, it lays out many economic concepts in easily understandable form for persons new to the subject.

The Undercover Economist is quite a fun read and very accessible to the layperson

Capitalism and Freedom by Milton Friedman...

Milton Friedman's "Capitalism & Freedom" is a good primer.

"Naked Economics" by Charles Wheelan

I second this rec. The author breaks down economics with common language and regular, everyday topics (no charts, graphs or formulas).

Naked Economics by Wheelan

if you read nothing else, read Naked Economics by Charles Wheelan.

I liked Eric Beinhocker, Origin of Wealth: Evolution, Complexity, and the Radical Remaking of Economics.

"Origin of Wealth: Evolution, Complexity, and the Radical Remaking of Economics" is really great

Free to Choose by Milton Friedman

The Worldly Philosophers, by Robert Heilbroner

It covers a wide range of famous economists and describes the high points of their theories along with some biographical detail, in a very engaging style.

Yes, Human Action is big, thick and highly recommended.

I'd highly recommend Human Action by Ludwig von Mises

Applied Economics by Thomas Sowell