New and notable at Econlib.

Econlib Newsletter
April 2021


Dear friends,

What a difference a year makes!

As we emerge from the shadows of a pandemic, what have we learned? This morning, we released a new EconTalk episode ([link removed]) with Tyler Cowen, in which Cowen and host Russ Roberts revisit the first conversation they had about COVID from one year ago. Over the past year, we've naturally thought a lot about the economic, political, and personal consequences of the pandemic. We've compared the response of the United States to Europe ([link removed]) , we've wondered what will befall our individual liberties ([link removed]) in its wake, and, like so many others, we've even spent a lot of time thinking about toilet paper. ([link removed])

Now, we want to hear from you. What have YOU learned from living through this remarkable year? How have your views on public policy changed? What did you do during quarantine, and how many of the habits you developed have stuck? Were there any silver linings for you? Please let us know. Contact us at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) . We love to hear from you, and you just might see your responses featured in upcoming content at Econlib!

Stay well, and stay curious.


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NEW Econlib Articles: April 2021

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Parenting Tips (and Other Helpful Advice) for Economists
by Michael L. Davis
Contrary to what you might expect, Michael Davis argues young children are master decision-makers–even his own five-year-old at bedtime. A big part of the reason why has to do with their imagination. So how can we ensure our children–and our students–learn that choice making is fundamentally an exercise in imagination? Read More ([link removed]) .

Big Brother Is Watching You

by Rachel Ferguson


“Will big data lower crime and reign in police abuse? Or will it exacerbate structural inequalities that already typify our criminal justice system?” Rachel Ferguson considers that while there is much to fear about big data in the hands of law enforcement, there may be some real advantages in crime reduction. Whether or not the trade-off is worth it, Ferguson leaves as an open question. Read More ([link removed]) .

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Grandmasters of Self-Promotion
by Arnold Kling
Arnold Kling would like public intellectuals to compete for "Grandmaster" style rankings. Who would be your top pick in such a scheme? According to Helen Andrews, the Baby Boomers wouldn't fare so well. “Helen Andrews portrays the prominent boomers as anything but wise. The talent they share is a talent for gaining attention and recognition.” Read More ([link removed]) .

The Nobel Factor: What Does the Prize Reward?
by David R. Henderson

To what extent is the Nobel prize in economics really a political prize? David Henderson reviews a new book in which the authors suggest the prize has helped to prove that "their preferred alternative, Social Democracy, ‘is pragmatically successful, analytically coherent, economically efficient, ethically attractive, and theoretically modest.'" Read More ([link removed]) .

Highlights from EconTalk

Megan McArdle on Catastrophes and the Pandemic
Whether it's a pandemic or a Texas-sized ice storm that leaves millions of people without power, we'd like to avoid a repetition. Megan McArdle ([link removed]) of the Washington Post talks with EconTalk host Russ Roberts ([link removed]) about the challenge of learning the right lessons from the current crisis in order to prevent the next one. Explore more. ([link removed])

More Recent Episodes:
* Max Kenner on Crime, Education, and the Bard Prison Initiative ([link removed])
* Sherry Turkle on Family, Artificial Intelligence, and the Empathy Diaries ([link removed])
* Leon Kass on Human Flourishing, Living Well, and Aristotle ([link removed])
* Michael Munger on Desires, Morality, and Self-Interest ([link removed])

Join us for our next Virtual Reading Group: The Open Society and Its Enemies
with Alberto Mingardi

Participation is offered at no-cost, and there is no need to be an expert on the topic for discussion! The only requirement is that participants be eager to read and engage in conversation. Space is strictly limited, and registration required.

Participants who successfully complete all sessions will receive an e-gift certificate from Amazon.com.

If you are interested, you can find more information here ([link removed]) .
Some Highlights from EconLog

* Steven Horwitz and Sarah Skwire ([link removed]) on the tolerance of markets- even when they make stuff we don't like- and how this compares to politics
* Walter Block argues ([link removed]) that Biden' pipeline closure did NOT cost the US jobs
* Past EconTalk guest Alain Bertaud talks to Amy Willis ([link removed]) about the future of cities
* Scott Sumner looks at the cultural implications of economic regulation ([link removed])
* Bryan Caplan wrapped up his EconLog book club ([link removed]) on Orwell's 1984

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