Joy in Economics…

and Tolstoy?

By Richard Gunderman

To what field of study would a thoughtful person look to find more joy in life? For most of human history, during which what we now know as economics did not exist, insights on joy might have been sought in religion, philosophy, literature, or the arts.

In recent decades, economists have tuned their study to happiness- but how much have we learned? And what lessons on joy might we glean from the tragic story of Anna Karenina? 

The Cooperative Ape

By Arnold Kling

Explore the fascinating journey of human cooperation with Arnold Kling's review of The Cooperative Ape on Econlib. Kling delves into the book's exploration of how cooperation has been a defining characteristic of human evolution, setting us apart from other species. This review highlights the book's insights into the mechanisms and evolutionary advantages of cooperation, and how these traits have shaped human societies. 

The Price Is Right: Setting the Record Straight on Price

Controls and Inflation

By James Broughel

Broughel examines the resurgence of price control proposals in modern economic policy debates, offering a critical analysis of price controls as a tool for combating inflation and highlighting the potential pitfalls and unintended consequences of such measures. Whether you're a policy maker, economist, or simply interested in understanding the complexities of inflation management, Broughel's review provides a timely and thought-provoking perspective on this controversial economic policy.

Cassandra and the Destruction of Savings

By Leonidas Zelmanovitz

and Thomas Lanzi

This month we bring you  a thought-provoking analysis of public debt and its hidden impacts. This essay challenges conventional accounting practices for government debt, arguing that they fail to distinguish between productive investments and consumed resources. The authors propose a novel approach to represent the true economic impact of public debt instruments, suggesting that a significant portion of U.S. treasuries may represent "destroyed savings." With implications for fiscal policy, economic growth, and household wealth, this piece offers a fresh perspective on the long-term consequences of government borrowing. 

The Problems of Boys and Men in Today's America

with Richard Reeves

Many boys and men in America are doing worse than girls and women in education while struggling with a culture that struggles to define what masculinity is in the 21st century. Is this a problem? Richard Reeves thinks so which is why he started the American Institute for Boys and Men. Listen as Reeves discusses the state of boys and men and what might be done about it with EconTalk's Russ Roberts.

Explore More

More Recent Episodes & Extras:

• Chaos and Complexity Economics (with J. Doyne Farmer)

• Ian Leslie Extra: Algorithmic Education

• What's Happening Inside Your Doctor's Head and Heart (with Adam Cifu)

• Yuval Levin Extra: Think Different, Act Together

• How Do You Capture the Tragedy of War? (with Sabin Howard)

• Dwayne Betts Extra: Reading a Love Letter to Justice

  
  

  
  

From the Shelf with curator Arnold Kling

Making Sense of Chaos:

A Better Economics for

a Better World

by J. Doyne Farmer

Join Kling with special guests Tawni Hunt Ferrarini and David Henderson as they discuss Farmer’s book on complexity economics.

Read Kling’s review.

Catch Farmer’s EconTalk interview.

See previous episodes of From the Shelf.

September 6, 2024 2-3 pm EDT

Pre-registration is required