I'm a huge proponent of using economic theory as a lens to examine non-economic aspects of life (Gladwell books, Moneyball, Freakonomics, Kahneman worI'm a huge proponent of using economic theory as a lens to examine non-economic aspects of life (Gladwell books, Moneyball, Freakonomics, Kahneman work). Sandel rightly questions whether the end goal of this approach - sometimes efficiency for effiency's sake - can compromise our morals, and degrade or corrupt the very good(s) we are dealing with. -Moneyball has made baseball slower through pitching changes and less exciting with batters more willing to settle for walks and less eager to attempt steals. -Studies have shown if you incentivize someone raising money for a cause through a % cut, s/he raises less $ -Pay someone to lose weight (market solution) and s/he will quickly gain it right back after the monitoring period ends
Sandel uses real world examples to counter the idea that we should blindly apply markets to all walks of life: advertising invading public and personal spheres, investors betting on life/death outcomes, paying to avoid ALL lines (publicly sponsored performances, organ donation, congressional hearings). You won't agree with every instant he points out has a potential moral dilemma and he can come off a bit nostalgic in his arguments. Still, I recommend this book for anyone who is either passionate about market-based solutions and is looking for an alternate perspective, or for someone who feels that we are, as Sandel puts it, are becoming not only a market-based economy but also a market-based society, and is looking for the right arguments to voice his opinion....more
The setting is 60s California & Nevada. Book follows a failed model-turned-actress and her downward spiral as she deals withA quick, depressing read.
The setting is 60s California & Nevada. Book follows a failed model-turned-actress and her downward spiral as she deals with abortion, tormenting lovers and ex-lovers, an abusive husband, a mentally sick 4 year old daughter.
Didion's details are vivid and her characters thorough. Themes include: rattlesnakes, emptiness, driving to forget, moral disquietude, cheating, loss, distance, disillusionment....more
summary: you can't fundamentally prove anything because it's feasible that it will be disproved in the future. or, expect the unexpected. or, leptokursummary: you can't fundamentally prove anything because it's feasible that it will be disproved in the future. or, expect the unexpected. or, leptokurtosis=$, mothafuckas!
not as good as fooled by randomness by the same author ...more
Summary: sympathy is an innate emotion that fosters good will towards fellow man. or, a lite version of the golden rule naturally occurs. but don't woSummary: sympathy is an innate emotion that fosters good will towards fellow man. or, a lite version of the golden rule naturally occurs. but don't worry: we're all still relatively selfish and greedy.
In his TMQ article on espn.com, Easterbrook intersperses thoughts on the environment, politics, media and other non-football related topics. They are In his TMQ article on espn.com, Easterbrook intersperses thoughts on the environment, politics, media and other non-football related topics. They are usually well thought-out and I thought I'd give his book a whirl. I'm only a quarter way into the book and so far nothing profound, just fun stories and facts about the material progress of the lower/middle class over the last century.
A microcosm of the post-WW2 American dream coming to fruition and subsequently decaying. Plot takes a while to unfold and there are some drawn-out seqA microcosm of the post-WW2 American dream coming to fruition and subsequently decaying. Plot takes a while to unfold and there are some drawn-out sequences in the middle of the book. Last 100 pages are occasionally riveting and harrowing. Characters are crafted well, but (intentionally) are mostly Good or Evil. Biggest gripe i had was that Roth doesn't let you analyze for yourself - every player's innermost thoughts are laid out on the table and scrutinized by Roth.
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