The Freakonomics Radio Book Club

22. How Does the Lost World of Vienna Still Shape Our Lives?

May 2, 2024
Historian Richard Cockett discusses Vienna's influence on modern ideas and how fascism can destroy progress. The podcast explores Viennese intellectuals' impact on America, including economics, culture, and politics. It highlights the city's complex identity, intellectual diaspora, and legacy of innovation.
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INSIGHT

Vienna's Broad Contribution

  • Vienna's intellectual contribution was broad, spanning many fields.
  • These fields were interconnected, fostered by a unique educational system.
INSIGHT

Unsung Influence of Viennese Economists

  • Richard Cockett's research on economic liberalism revealed the unsung influence of Viennese economists.
  • Hayek's insight about devolved information in modern economies highlighted the impracticality of state-run economies.
ANECDOTE

Viennese Influence Across Disciplines

  • Cockett found Viennese influence in various fields while working as a foreign correspondent.
  • Examples include Ernst Dichter in marketing and Victor Gruen in architecture.
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