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Econlib Newsletter
February 2023

Since good old Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter last week, we're ready to keep burrowed in with plenty to read. If that sounds like a good plan to you, too, we have plenty of suggestions this month! You'll find new articles on public choice and behavioral economics, an Arnold Kling book review, and... Arnold Schwarzenegger.

If you're more into watching, we've got something for that, too. Longtime followers of Arnold Kling's Econlib Book Reviews may want to check out our NEW YouTube playlist, From the Shelf, with video of our most recent book discussions. You'll find guests such as John Cochrane, Bryan Caplan, Max Borders, and more. Stay tuned via social media for details on our next virtual gathering. And don't forget you can also access ALL our past EconTalk episodes on our YouTube channel as well.

And finally, it's never too late to join Peter Boettke's No Due Date book club. Monthly subscriptions are now available, and include exclusive virtual gatherings, like the one we had last week with EconTalk host Russ Roberts to discuss his book, Wild Problems, which was Pete's January selection. Don't miss your chance to join us for another great year of reading and conversation.

Until next month, stay well, and stay curious.

NEW Econlib Articles
February 2023

From Here to Serenity:
How Public Choice Makes Me Less Cynical
By Art Carden

Is Public Choice "deeply cynical, perhaps even immoral, insofar as it assumes we are capable of nothing more than greed and insofar as it encourages us to be greedy?" Art Carden says, NO. Find out why he thinks such criticism only sells this perspective short. Read More.

What Arnold Schwarzenegger Can Teach You About the Economics of Property Rights
By Rosolino Candela

Yes, you read that right. This month, Candela looks at Schwarzenegger's turn from action hero to comic actor, providing a lesson about the nature of property rights along with a few laughs. Read More.

Behavioral Economics: Method, Norms, and Policy
By Alejandra Salinas

Alejandra Salinas follows up last month's perspective on the origins of behavioral economics from Leonidas Zelmanovitz. Salinas looks closely at the work of Richard Thaler in particular, providing some suggestions for a more helpful accounting of Adam Smith among behaviorists. Read More.

Persistent Differences in
Gender Temperament

By Arnold Kling

Arnold Kling sees the mood of feminists today as much darker than in its earlier days. What accounts for the pessimism? And how might a closer look at the differences between the sexes explain the culture of higher education today? Read More.

What We're Reading Now

Welcome to our NEW feature in which we share some of what we are reading this month. We'd love to hear what you're reading, too. Drop us a line at [email protected], or share with us on social media. We love to hear from you!

Some books:

Freedom and the Law, by Bruno Leoni, for an upcoming Virtual Reading Group with Alberto Mingardi
Jeffrey Friedman's Power Without Knowledge with Kevin Corcoran at EconLog
Israel Kirzner's Competition and Entrepreneurship for No Due Date with Peter Boettke

Some Substacks we follow:

Eric Hoel's Intrinsic Perspective
- ICYMI, Hoel was a guest on EconTalk in September discussing Effective Altruism.)
Get Down and Shruti- Shruti Rajagopalan's Newsletter on Indian Political Economy.
Erik Torenberg's Explorations and inquiries into my curiosities: culture, politics, tech, business, and human nature.
- ICYMI, Torenberg was a guest on Arnold Kling's From the Shelf, discussing Michael Gibson's Paper Belt on Fire.)

EconTalk: Conversations for the Curious

Sam Harris on Meditation, Mindfulness, and Morality

According to neuroscientist and philosopher Sam Harris, rationality is the key to safeguarding everything we cherish, and its only true enemy is dogmatic inflexibility. Harris speaks with EconTalk host Russ Roberts about the views that have made Harris famous, teasing out the often mind-blowing subtleties of his religious and cultural critiques. They discuss what Harris has learned as a podcaster and author, and how ecstasy launched his spiritual journey. Finally, they move on to the power of meditation, exploring the way it can lead to self-transcendence and real connection with others. Explore more.

More Recent Episodes:

Please take our Annual Survey! Let us know how we're doing, what else you'd like to see, and vote for your favorite episodes of 2022.

Upcoming Virtual Reading Group

March 2023

Foundations of Modern Environmentalism

Pre-registration is required, and we ask you to register only if you can be present for ALL sessions. Readings must be acquired and completed in advance. Participants who successfully complete ALL sessions will be eligible to receive an Amazon e-gift certificate.

Environmental activism, despite its omnipresent placement in our news feeds, is really nothing new. Thinkers back to (at least) John Locke and John Stuart Mill have expressed concern for the natural environment.

Join us for three sessions in which we dig into the foundations of today’s environmental movement, exploring what we can learn from their efforts and what we might do going forward.

Copyright © 2023, Liberty Fund, Inc. All rights reserved.

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