Economics is sometimes referred to as the "science of scarcity." Concerned for both efficiency and equity, economists study the allocation of limited resources in the face of unlimited wants.
Economics isn't about making money, but instead is focused on the issue of good stewardship at both the levels of individuals and of societies. It is not a set of prescriptions, but rather a way of looking at the world and its problems.
Economics contributes to the public discussion of topics such as employment, income, price levels, efficiency in production, health care, interest rates, growth, deficits, value of the dollar, pollution, and government debt.
econwiz@milkweed.econ.stthomas.edu