EconTalk Steven Levitt on Freakonomics and the State of Economics
11 snips
Nov 9, 2020 
In a captivating discussion, Steven Levitt, a renowned economist and co-author of Freakonomics, shares insights on the book's unexpected success and its cultural impact on popularizing economics. He discusses the complexities of public trust in science amid the pandemic and critiques the challenges within the academic reward system. Levitt also explores innovative approaches to criminal justice reform and the importance of clear communication in economics, underscoring how accessibility can foster understanding and support for the field.
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Freakonomics phenomenon
- Freakonomics' success is attributed to luck, timing, and Dubner's journalistic writing style.
- Levitt's appearance on Jon Stewart's Daily Show boosted the book's popularity among young people.
Pre-Gladwell Freakonomics?
- Levitt and Dubner popularized social science studies, pre-dating Gladwell's similar approach.
- Gladwell's work and blurb influenced Freakonomics.
Colleague reactions to Freakonomics
- Levitt's colleagues at the University of Chicago, known for their academic rigor, had mixed reactions to Freakonomics.
- Some viewed popularizing economics negatively, while others were inspired to write their own books.
