Everybody knows that to become and remain even minimally educated you must read the Economist every week without fail. But the editors make it so damned difficult ... there's always one must-read special section but all too often there's more than one. I don't know how they can get so much good copy written, so regularly; but they make the duty of reading it all awfully difficult.

They can charge that much because it is a superior publication in every regard. They have to charge that much because there are very few ads. I do not deign to call this publication a magazine. It is more a chronicle of current issues and the relevant data. It is extremely heavy on fact, and I find myself better informed on many issues than other periodical readers. The Economist's point of view is neither that of an American liberal nor that of an American conservative, but rather a particularly British liberalism, one more akin to classical liberalism. Both Democrats and Republicans are bound to be challenged when encountering data and perspectives in this publication. This publication is the most globally focused I know, covering the US, UK, Asia, the Middle East, Technology, Business, Finance, and more very thoroughly. American readers will be delighted by the wry British humor scattered about in picture captions and stashed away in articles. If you want to find real data, and not just read op/ed pieces, this is a great publication, written for you, the intelligent generalist.

This has been my news source for years. So intelligent, witty, and always interesting random topics. Even their book review sections guide most of my other reading!

The Economist is quite simply one of the best magazines published today. It's timely commentary, witty with a strong dose of common sense, allows the reader to stay informed of major (and sometimes minor) happenings around the globe. The magazine is hardly about economics but rather the reader will gain valuable insights into world politics, world business, economics, technology, and even social issues. From time to time, they publish a "survey" (an in-depth look) of a nation or an issue.

I greatly admire the non-condescending tone of the magazine. When they state the name of company (even extremely popular global firms), they almost always add what type of firm it is (i.e. bank, consultancy, etc.).

Furthermore, as someone who lives in the U.S., it is informative to learn about non-U.S. points of view on American policies (The Economist is mainly centered from England). The Economist is extremely valuable as it is informative.

Despite the name, The Economist is not a magazine about economics. It offers a full range of coverage about politics, world affairs, business, books, arts, culture... and of course, finance and economics. As an American, I especially appreciate the Economist's outsider perspective on U.S. issues; it puts all the silly things that the American media focus on in a more balanced perspective. Of particular note, the weekly "Lexington" column offers perhaps the most insightful commentary on U.S. politics of any newspaper or magazine, and it does it with prose that is witty and direct.

Many people complain about the price, but let me tell you: it is worth every penny. I started a subscription on a lark several years ago and thought I would not renew it when it expired, but I became addicted. It is the only magazine I read. I eagerly await the mailman's arrival every Saturday afternoon, because I know he'll be bringing me the best and most comprehensive news and analysis magazine in this world.

One minor criticism: if you live in parts of the country that are away from postal hubs, you may not get your magazine on Saturday like you are supposed to. When I lived in Hawaii, it was always several days late -- and this was maddening. Even in the Washington DC area, I sometimes wouldn't get my copy until Monday. But ever since they started printing the U.S. edition of the magazine in California, it has gotten somewhat better.