Odd Lots Paul Krugman on UFOs, AI and Room Temperature Superconductors
13 snips
Aug 11, 2023 
Join Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman as he dives into intriguing discussions about UFOs and their economic implications. With a background in science fiction, he shares his thoughts on room temperature superconductors and the transformative potential of AI. Krugman also explores how these technological advancements could impact productivity and job security. He humorously considers the economic effects of a hypothetical alien invasion, intertwining economics with the fantastical themes from his favorite sci-fi narratives.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Inspiration for Economics
- Paul Krugman was inspired to study economics by Isaac Asimov's Foundation novels.
- The novels depict mathematical social scientists saving a collapsing galactic civilization.
Interstellar Trade
- Interstellar trade differs from Earth trade due to long shipping times, significantly impacting interest costs.
- Time dilation from relativity makes subjective ship time shorter, but the relevant cost is planetary time.
Technology's Impact on GDP
- Technological breakthroughs don't always dramatically boost GDP growth immediately.
- The IT revolution caused a 1% annual growth increase for 10 years, which is significant but not explosive.