Ken Schoolland’s beloved book The Adventures of Jonathan Gullible has long been a gateway for young minds to explore free-market economics. Now, as an animated series, it’s set to captivate a new audience. We asked Schoolland to discuss how this adaptation aims to enlighten and entertain young viewers about economic principles.
The series follows Jonathan’s journey to Corrumpo, an island where misguided policies reign supreme. Schoolland explains, “Each new situation he witnesses pushes him to use reason and common sense to challenge the absurd rules and limitations that create needless suffering for the island’s residents.” This approach, he notes, “reflects the way many young people come to realize that free-market principles help explain how many real-world obstacles stem from government regulations and their hidden consequences.”
But how does one translate complex economic ideas into child-friendly content? Schoolland’s strategy is clear: “The series respects the ability of young viewers to grasp complex ideas, but it presents them in a way that’s woven into Jonathan’s experiences. Rather than delivering a lecture, the show lets Jonathan question the flawed assumptions of the characters he meets by applying his common sense.”
This method, Schoolland believes, is key to developing critical thinking skills. “By having Jonathan challenge the absurd rules of the island, the show equips young viewers with a toolkit for critical thinking, empowering them to question government regulations or policies that infringe on individual freedom.”
Each episode tackles at least one economic concept, no matter how seemingly outlandish. Schoolland offers an example: “In episode 2, ‘A Common’s Tragedy,’ an elderly fisherman is shown fishing in a dirty, polluted lake. His conversation with Jonathan introduces the idea of the ‘tragedy of the commons,’ which illustrates how state-owned natural resources often lack the incentives needed to ensure their preservation.”
But it’s not just children who stand to learn from the series. Schoolland points out that even parents might find some lessons enlightening, particularly in the season finale, “Helter Shelter.” He explains, “Even in the freest countries, many people support various housing regulations like building codes, zoning laws, and rent control. These laws appear to be designed to protect tenants and ensure quality, affordable housing. However, in practice, these regulations often harm those seeking housing, particularly low-income families.”
Schoolland emphasizes the importance of understanding both the seen and unseen consequences of policies. “As French economist Frédéric Bastiat pointed out, government regulations have both seen and unseen consequences,” he notes. Using rent control as an example, he adds, “While many argue that rent control ensures affordable housing, the unintended result is a sharp decline in housing supply, as landlords are discouraged from renting at controlled prices.”
Through The Adventures of Jonathan Gullible, Schoolland aims to spark curiosity and encourage critical thinking about our world and how we should structure it. By presenting these ideas in an engaging, animated format, he hopes to equip young viewers—and perhaps their parents, too—with the tools to navigate and question the world around them.
As families prepare to embark on this educational adventure with Jonathan, they’re not just in for entertainment—they’re investing in a future generation of critical thinkers. And that, as Schoolland might say, is an investment with returns that extend far beyond any balance sheet.