"Upstream" with Erik Torenberg

E44: Tyler Cowen on Harvard, the GOAT Economist, and Ending Stagnation

37 snips
Feb 2, 2024
Erik Torenberg interviews economist and author Tyler Cowen on topics including Harvard, AI, talent spotting, non-legibility in society, and the future of universities. They also discuss the dangers of open sourcing AI, creating a DEI program for parenthood, and the state of Harvard administration. Tyler's new book, 'GOAT: Who is the Greatest Economist of all Time?' is promoted at the end of the podcast.
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INSIGHT

Macroeconomics' Usefulness

  • Macroeconomics has limited predictive power for forecasting specific economic outcomes.
  • It's valuable for understanding the variables influencing those outcomes and how they interact.
INSIGHT

Milei's Uncertain Legacy

  • Milei's potential legacy might be failing despite knowing the right course of action.
  • His success hinges on systemic cooperation, with chances below 50% even if he does everything right.
ANECDOTE

New Zealand's Liberalization

  • New Zealand successfully transitioned from a statist economy to a freer one through policy reforms by both Labour and National parties.
  • While not dismantling the administrative state, they lightened regulation and improved transparency.
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