

Dr. Robert Frank on ‘Smart for One But Dumb for All’
14 snips Nov 29, 2024
Dr. Robert Frank, an esteemed economist from Cornell University, discusses the intricate interplay between luck and meritocracy in success. He critiques the notion that individual choices always lead to proportional rewards, highlighting the societal pressure stemming from affluent lifestyles. The concept of 'smart for one, dumb for all' emphasizes the need for collective benefit over individual gain. He explores the impact of tax structures on economic growth and the importance of effective human coordination in addressing societal challenges.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Teaching Economics
- Focus on a few core ideas and repeat them often for better understanding.
- Use familiar examples to illustrate economic principles.
Bernanke Collaboration
- Robert Frank's microeconomics textbook led to a collaboration with Ben Bernanke on a macroeconomics companion.
- Bernanke's modesty led him to insist his name appear second on the book, despite his established reputation.
Bernanke's Nomination
- During a book meeting, Bernanke learned of his nomination to the Federal Reserve System.
- This surprised Frank, who hadn't known Bernanke was a Republican.