Which is more dangerous, a gun or a swimming pool? What do schoolteachers and sumo wrestlers have in common? Why do drug dealers still live with their moms? How much do parents really matter? How did the legalization of abortion affect the rate of violent crime?These may not sound like typical questions for an econo-mist to ask. But Steven D. Levitt is not a typical economist. He is a … much-heralded scholar who studies the riddles of everyday life—from cheating and crime to sports and child-rearing—and whose conclusions turn conventional wisdom on its head. Freakonomics is a groundbreaking collaboration between Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner, an award-winning author and journalist. They usually begin with a mountain of data and a simple question. Some of these questions concern life-and-death issues; others have an admittedly freakish quality. Thus the new field of study contained in this book: freakonomics.Through forceful storytelling and wry insight, Levitt and Dubner show that economics is, at root, the study of incentives—how people get what they want, or need, especially when other people want or need the same thing. In Freakonomics, they explore the hidden side of . . . well, everything. The inner workings of a crack gang. The truth about real-estate agents. The myths of campaign finance. The telltale marks of a cheating schoolteacher. The secrets of the Klu Klux Klan. What unites all these stories is a belief that the modern world, despite a great deal of complexity and downright deceit, is not impenetrable, is not unknowable, and—if the right questions are asked—is even more intriguing than we think. All it takes is a new way of looking. Freakonomics establishes this unconventional premise: If morality represents how we would like the world to work, then economics represents how it actually does work. It is true that readers of this book will be armed with enough riddles and stories to last a thousand cocktail parties. But Freakonomics can provide more than that. It will literally redefine the way we view the modern world.Bonus material added to the revised and expanded 2006 edition.The original New York Times Magazine article about Steven D. Levitt by Stephen J. Dubner, which led to the creation of this book.Seven “Freakonomics” columns written for the New York Times Magazine, published between August 2005 and April 2006.
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One of the best books recommended by my economics professor. Easily understandable and informative.
Who knew statistics could be so much fun to read!
Great way to analyze things
A very interesting take on real-life situations using principles of economic theory. Seems forced at some places but if looked at objectively it does make sense. For real it’s economic steak on a hot plate, with a side of a motley collection of interesting stories.
Thought provoking. An important addition to our discourse about this world of ours.
A different view of economics and it makes connections that
were overlooked in classical economics.
A must read!
Interesting insights into real human behaviors.
Great fun. Light writing style that makes light of the human condition using the framework of behavioral economics, which is usually quite dull. Who would have thought…
Interesting unexpected slant on things.
It gave an interesting view from a data standpoint instead of just a anecdotal or emotional one.
Adds an interesting dimension to forces we might normally overlook and not perceive.
This book will open your mind.
You’ll see how situations are inter-related
Extremely interesting point of view
Not many readers would be interested
Long living perceptions boosted. Great reading!
Fascinating read
Excellent ideas and unexpected outcomes. Wonderful read.
Connections that few would have forseen, but when explained by the authors, make absolute sense, especially in a social context. I often reread this book.
A great read if you like economics, particularly behavioral economics. Actually, I think the non-economic minds will enjoy it as well. Just an interesting way of looking at the world and society as a whole
Very informative and easy to read.