Will someone teach me the basics of economics?

[pbrower2a]

The most basic three lessons:

1. There is no such thing as a free lunch.

Everything has a cost. Nobody gives one anything except in return for something else. Even something offered for free is done for the good of the giver. (Thus if Microsoft gives you a security patch for your computer it is to keep you as a consumer).

2. The only good deal is quality-for-quality.

Trash for trash is futile. My non-working Chevrolet Vega for your non-working Yugo isn't worth the effort.   

Fleece deals leave the person fleeced with no further objects of exchange.

Quality for quality -- that's good for repeat business in the form of more exchanges.

3. The Second Law of Thermodynamics applies to economic reality.

You can't get something for nothing; everything takes energy just to keep it as it is. Rot and decay are the norms in life.