Impromptu
What’s a government for? Let me count the ways.
Sep 28, 2024
Join acclaimed author Michael Lewis, known for his deep dives into finance, and journalist John Lanchester, celebrated for his urban insights, as they unravel the complexities of government counting. They discuss how inflation numbers reflect national values and decision-making. The duo highlights the critical role data plays in governance, especially in crises like the pandemic. They also delve into the murky waters where fact meets fiction, emphasizing a growing mistrust in information and the urgent need for authentic narratives in policy debates.
10:10
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Quick takeaways
- The Consumer Price Index illustrates how government metrics reflect societal values and affect everyday lives, such as divorce settlements.
- Counting is a foundational aspect of U.S. governance that influences representation, resource allocation, and public policy through comprehensive data collection.
Deep dives
The Significance of the Consumer Price Index
The Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers (CPIU) serves as a crucial metric for understanding economic well-being, influencing various federal benefits and calculations. This number is not merely abstract; it embodies the multifaceted interactions between government and citizens, encapsulating a wide array of socio-economic realities into a singular figure. John Lanchester emphasizes how this metric extends beyond economic analysis; it plays a role in everyday aspects like divorce settlements. By examining this singular number, the discussion highlights the complexities of governmental functions and the importance of quantifying societal conditions.
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