Nice quote from the St Olaf Econ page

Economics is a study of humankind in the ordinary business of life; it examines that part of individual and social action which is most closely connected with the attainment and with the use of the material requisites of well-being. Thus it is on the one side a study of wealth; and on the other, and more important side, a part of the study of humanity.

Alfred Marshall, Principles of Economics
St Olaf College