Capitalism, Private Equity, and the Seven Deadly Sins — with Stephen Dubner

Glory Liu's book 'Adam Smith's America' delves into the evolution of Adam Smith's influence in the United States, tracing how his ideas were reinterpreted and weaponized over time. It highlights how Smith became a symbol of free markets and capitalism, despite his original work encompassing broader moral and economic philosophies. The book explores the transformation of Smith's image from a moral philosopher to a champion of self-interest, particularly through the lens of the Chicago School of Economics.

In *Think Like a Freak*, Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner offer a blueprint for thinking more productively and creatively. They explore topics from business to philanthropy, using captivating storytelling and unconventional analysis to retrain your brain. The book teaches readers to question conventional wisdom, understand incentives, and appreciate the benefits of quitting when necessary.

When to Rob a Bank is a curated collection of blog posts from the Freakonomics website, offering thought-provoking and often humorous insights into various aspects of economics and society. The book explores a wide range of topics, from crime and politics to sports and entertainment, challenging conventional wisdom with offbeat questions and analyses.

Choosing My Religion is a memoir by Stephen J. Dubner that delves into his personal journey of faith and identity. The book explores how Dubner's family was influenced by religion, leading to both division and unity. It is a poignant exploration of how beliefs evolve over time, shaped by upbringing, experiences, and personal choices.

SuperFreakonomics challenges conventional thinking by applying economic principles to unexpected topics such as prostitution, terrorism, and global warming. The book offers insights into how incentives shape human behavior and explores unconventional solutions to complex problems. It is a sequel to the bestselling Freakonomics.

Freakonomics is a collaboration between economist Steven D. Levitt and journalist Stephen J. Dubner that delves into the riddles of everyday life, from cheating and crime to parenting and sports. The book argues that economics is fundamentally the study of incentives and how people get what they want or need, especially when others want or need the same thing. It covers various topics such as the inner workings of a crack gang, the truth about real estate agents, and the secrets of the Ku Klux Klan, using forceful storytelling and wry insight to challenge conventional wisdom.

In 'Bowling Alone', Robert D. Putnam presents extensive data showing how Americans have become disconnected from family, friends, neighbors, and democratic structures. He argues that this decline in social capital has significant negative impacts on physical and civic health. The book explores various factors contributing to this decline, including changes in work, family structure, suburbanization, and the influence of technology such as television and the internet. Putnam also discusses historical precedents and potential solutions for reviving civic engagement and social connections.

In *Doughnut Economics*, Kate Raworth presents a new economic model that combines the concept of planetary boundaries with social boundaries. The 'doughnut' framework aims to ensure that no one falls short on life's essentials while preventing the overshoot of Earth's life-supporting systems. Raworth argues for a shift from growth-at-any-costs mentality to an economy that prioritizes human and planetary well-being, drawing on diverse schools of thought including ecological, behavioral, feminist, and institutional economics. The book offers seven key ways to reframe economic thinking for the 21st century, emphasizing the need for economies that are regenerative and distributive by design.

In this book, Angela Duckworth presents a compelling argument that success is driven more by grit, a fusion of relentless passion and perseverance, than by talent. She explains what grit is, how to identify and develop it, and how it can be grown through stages such as developing interests, consistent practice, finding a pro-social purpose, and cultivating optimism. The book is structured in three parts: explaining what grit is and why it matters, how to grow grit from the inside out, and how to grow grit from the outside in, targeting parents, coaches, teachers, and organizational leaders. Duckworth supports her arguments with personal stories, historical insights, and interviews with high achievers from various fields.