Freakonomics


I must confess that I really like the subject of popular economics. Attended a talk last week as part of the Yahoo Big Thinker series in Bangalore by Preston McAfee, another economist/pricing expert. Very entertaining.

Having done some pricing in the past at the workplace, I must confess that economics, both macro and micro versions can be really interesting if you have the opportunity to dabble in them.


Freakonomics is interesting, and some arguments are natural("which is more dangerous a gun or a swimming pool"), while others seem forced("what do school teachers and sumo wrestlers have in common"). The second seems forced because it is an illustration of game theory but not necessarily interesting by itself ... the fact that sumo wrestlers and teachers are juxtaposed seems purely for effect .... the example would hold good for any multiplayer tournament where the payoffs are setup in a certain manner.

The bellwether line in the book has to be the one about moralists defining (deigning/wishing) societal behaviour and economists explaining it. Its something you'd remember.

I've pretty much read all the books that were recommended to me recently and do not have anything on the shelf. Any suggestions? Please ... nothing sad or depressing like the 'Kite Runner' or idiotic & pointless like 'Life of Pi' :)