Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford You Have Reached Your Destination
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Dec 27, 2019 Explore the fascinating parallels between ancient wisdom and modern technology as the podcast reveals the dangers of blind trust in oracles and algorithms alike. Discover how King Croesus' reliance on prophecy echoes today's overreliance on GPS and financial models. Unearth the perils of forecasting and learn from historical missteps like AIG’s collapse. The conversation underscores the importance of critical thinking and mindfulness, reminding us that deeper engagement with our beliefs can illuminate the path through today's complex challenges.
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Croesus's Misinterpretation
- King Croesus consulted the Oracle of Delphi before attacking Persia, misinterpreting a prophecy about destroying an empire.
- He destroyed his own empire, highlighting that accurate predictions don't guarantee wise decisions.
Death by GPS
- Alicia Sanchez and her son, relying on a GPS, became tragically lost in Death Valley.
- The incident, known as "death by GPS", emphasizes the danger of over-reliance on technology.
Carpi vs. Capri
- A Swedish couple, aiming for Capri, Italy, mistakenly arrived in Carpi due to a GPS typo.
- This highlights how unthinking reliance on technology can lead to significant errors.