Based on his popular How To Ruin book series, Stein offers this entertaining, satirical presentation as he suggests surefire ways to ruin the greatest nation in the history of the human race.
For instance: Trust the United Nations to protect us and our security; encourage contempt for the family and for the community; allow Hollywood to brainwash us into believing that only suckers and criminals fight for their country; and treat the military, the police, firefighters, and teachers as losers and pay them starvation wages.
It is an eye-opening presentation using as its central metaphor the life of the cowboy and his behavior as he leaves his bunkhouse.
Based upon a lifetime of observation of successful people and how they got that way, Stein suggests you imitate the determination, inner mobility, activity, flexibility-and the refusal to indulge in self-pity-of the cowboy in order to get what you want out of life.
Ben Stein is the most famous economics teacher in America. His comedic role as the droning economics teacher in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” is by far the most widely viewed scene of economics teaching in economics history and has been ranked as one of the fifty most famous scenes in movie history.
But in real life, Ben Stein is a powerful speaker on economics, politics, education and history and motivation–and like his father, Herbert Stein, considered one of the great humorists on political economy and how life works in this nation.
Stein in real life has a bachelor’s with honors in economics from Columbia, studied econ at the graduate level at Yale, is a graduate of Yale Law School ( valedictorian of his class by election of his classmates in 1970), and has as diverse a resume as any man in America.
Much more important, Ben Stein is morally committed to making your meeting a success and bringing his extensive background to bring out the most powerful and funniest trends in current history.
That background includes…poverty lawyer for poor people in New Haven, trade regulation lawyer for the FTC, speech writer for Presidents Nixon and Ford. ( He did NOT write the line, “I am not a crook….”), columnist and editorial writer for The Wall Street Journal, teacher about law and economics at UC, Santa Cruz ( undergrads ) and Pepperdine( law school and undergrads).
He has written or co-written roughly 30 books, mostly about investing, with his brilliant colleague, Phil DeMuth, many of them New York Times bestsellers. His and Dr. DeMuth’s book, “Yes, You Can Time The Market” has become a landmark of using price theory for securities market analysis.
He wrote a column about economics for The New York Times for several years, roughly 2004-2009.
Ben Stein was the co-host, along with Jimmy Kimmel, of the pathbreaking Comedy Central game show, “Win Ben Stein’s Money,” which won seven Emmies, including ones for Ben and Jimmy for best game show host. ( Surely making him the only well known economist to win an Emmy….). Presently, he writes a column for The American Spectator and for NewsMax, and is a regular commentator on Fox News and on CBS Sunday Morning, as well as a frequent commentator on CNN.
He lives in Los Angeles with his wife of 45 years, Alexandra, two dogs and six cats.
He loves people and loves to meet new people and hang out with them. He’s a party guy, albeit an extremely serious economist and a decades long critic of excessively loose fiscal policy and unhelpful regulation in finance.
View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter
No reviews available for this post.
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

Kevin Poulsen is a highly-sought keynote speaker and expert covering such topics as cybersecurity and technology. He is a best-selling author, consultant, media pundit, and thought-leader who has spoken at many conferences around the world where he gives leaders the skills they need to deal with fast, big changes in society, the workplace, and education. […]

Across the world, I find people now expect change and will deliver it fast: but only when they have the skills to do so.” – Jim Lawless, International Motivational Speaker & Author.Empowering Bold Change: Fast “People resist change? Change takes time? How to change our activities to deliver new outcomes is a core professional skill in the age […]

Lili Gil Valletta is a distinguished authority in cultural intelligence and business transformation. As the co-founder and CEO of CIEN+, she has pioneered innovative strategies that help organizations harness the power of cultural diversity to drive growth and innovation. Her expertise and influence extend across various industries, making her a sought-after speaker for events focused […]

Erin O’Flaherty stands as a beacon of empowerment, resilience, and advocacy in the realm of professional speaking. Crowned as Miss Missouri, she brings a profound and multifaceted narrative to the stage, intertwining her journey as a LGBTQ+ advocate with her passion for suicide prevention. With a compelling presence and an unwavering commitment to her causes, […]

For companies that care about deep work, ViKA Victoria’s teachings on leadership communication, authentic selling, and human connection are a game-changer. ViKA Victoria is a Ukrainian-American award-winning storyteller, global keynote speaker, and narrative strategist who has trained thousands of leaders from TED to Boston Consulting Group to YPO in authentic storytelling at work for cultural […]

Gregory Offner is a multi-talented individual, with a passion for entertaining and educating others. His keynotes, workshops, and corporate consulting engagements help the worlds leading organizations create high performing, highly fulfilled leaders. Prior to this work, Greg led global sales and marketing efforts for several Fortune 100 organizations; brokered complex Risk Management and Insurance programs for large […]

Retired Navy SEAL Lieutenant Jason Redman stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. His electrifying presentations on leadership, failure, redemption, and overcoming life’s ambushes captivate audiences worldwide. With a distinguished 21-year career in the Navy, Redman’s journey from youthful setbacks to battlefield heroism is an inspiring narrative of perseverance and triumph. […]

Brandon Farbstein, a beacon of hope, resilience, and inspiration, hailing from the sun-kissed shores of San Diego, California. Brandon Farbstein isn’t just a speaker; he’s a catalyst for change, a voice for the voiceless, and a testament to the power of the human spirit. With a story that resonates with audiences of all ages and […]
No results available
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2026. Designed using Voxel