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!
DJ Melione is a trailblazing Asian-American hip-hop artist whose talent, passion, and relentless pursuit of excellence have made her a standout figure in the music scene. Hailing from Southern California, DJ Melione is not only a captivating performer but also a gifted songwriter who crafts her own music, ensuring her work resonates with authenticity and […]
Nic Novicki is an actor, comedian and producer who has performed on six continents. His television credits include: Boardwalk Empire, The Sopranos, AXS Gotham Comedy Live, Jack and Triumph, The Neighbors, Austin and Alley, Private Practice and Drop Dead Diva. He has appeared in several movies, such as Life Happens, November Rule, The Last 5 Years, Boston Girls and Breaking Wind and will […]
Jasmine Star helps entrepreneurs build a brand and market it on social media. After quitting law school, she picked up a camera, built an internationally recognized business, and teaches others how to do the same. In addition to chasing wild dreams, Jasmine Star works with her husband and grumpy dog, and you’ll likely find her […]
Donna Maine is an LA-based clean, corporate comedian and comedy writer (or less clean, depending on situation) who performs across the country. Her comedic insights run the gamut; including relationships, kids, medical background, and coping with middle-age in a post-millennial world. Donna has been bringing the laughter to all the major comedy clubs, the Burbank […]
Dr. Robert Muggah is a globally renowned expert on urban security, digital transformation, and climate resilience. As the co-founder of the Igarapé Institute, a leading think tank on global security and development, he has spent over two decades addressing critical challenges in urban safety, violence prevention, and technological innovation. Dr. Muggah is a frequent advisor […]
Pamela Barnum, a seasoned professional who has honed her skills in building trust and interpreting body language through real-world experiences that few can imagine. With a career steeped in danger, intrigue, and the art of deception detection, Pamela brings a unique perspective to the realm of keynote speaking. As an undercover operative in the Drug […]
As a Corporate Culture Specialist, Greg Hawks shapes environments where everyone gets to contribute their best daily! For two decades he has mentored leaders, developed teams, crafted culture and empowered employees. As a Keynote Speaker, he is an enthusiastic character. His style, wit and energy consistently capture the attention and imagination of audiences. His forward […]
Dr. Kai-Fu Lee is a a venture capitalist, technology executive, writer, and an artificial intelligence expert. The Chairman and CEO of Sinovation Ventures and President of Sinovation Venture’s Artificial Intelligence Institute, Dr. Lee was the Vice President of Google, President of Google China and previously held executive positions at Microsoft, SGI, and Apple. In 2023, he […]
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