Exploring the contrast between epidemiologists and economists in pandemic forecasts, promoting open-mindedness and a broader perspective for better risk assessment. Critiquing media sensationalism, the chapter encourages independent thinking and rational optimism amidst uncertainty.
Economic crises can and do happen. But for every true crisis, there are many false alarms, says economist Philipp Carlsson-Szlezak. He explains how to live with the media's pervasive economic doomsaying, why we should stop treating financial forecasts like a precise science — and what we should embrace instead. After the talk, Modupe shares why she’s a “rational optimist” about economic narratives — and what "rational optimism" means to her.