“The indispensable first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: decide what you want.”

American writer, lawyer, actor, economist, comedian, and commentator

Ben Stein is an American writer, lawyer, actor, economist, comedian, and political and economic commentator. Born Benjamin Jeremy Stein, he first worked as a speechwriter for U.S. presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, then moved into entertainment, where his dry manner and steady delivery became part of his public image. He is known for playing the economics teacher in Ferris Bueller's Day Off, hosting Win Ben Stein's Money, and appearing as Dr. Arthur Neuman in The Mask and Son of the Mask. He also co-wrote and starred in Expelled, a 2008 film that drew criticism for presenting intelligent design claims. His work often sits at the meeting point of politics, economics, and comedy.