The Nature of Self-Destructive Spite

In this episode from 2013, we look at whether spite pays — and if it even exists.

• SOURCES:
  • Benedikt Herrmann, research officer at the European Commission.
  • Steve Levitt, co-author of Freakonomics and host of People I (Mostly) Admire.
  • Dave O'Connor, president of Times Studios.
  • Lisi Oliver, professor of English at Louisiana State University.
  • E.O. Wilson, naturalist and university research professor emeritus at Harvard University.

• RESOURCES:
  • You Don't Know Bo: The Legend of Bo Jackson, documentary (2012).
  • "Amputation of the nose throughout history," by G. Sperati (ACTA Otorhinolaryngologica Italica, 2009).
  • "The Appearance of Homo Rivalis: Social Preferences and the Nature of Rent Seeking," by Benedikt Herrmann and Henrik Orzen (Center for Decision Research and Experimental Economics, 2008).

• EXTRAS:
  • "What It’s Like to Be Middle-Aged (in the Middle Ages)," by Freakonomics Radio (2025).