Nobel Prize Conversations First reactions | Joel Mokyr, prize in economic sciences 2025 | Telephone interview
Oct 13, 2025
Joel Mokyr shares his shock upon receiving the Nobel Prize news, revealing he never expected to be a contender. His surprise includes missed calls from Sweden and congratulatory emails that left him puzzled. He expresses humility about an economic historian winning and humorously anticipates a boost in book sales from collaborating with co-winner Philippe Aghion. Mokyr playfully asks to defer discussing his research, needing a moment to collect his thoughts before delving into his work.
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Surprised By The Announcement
- Joel Mokyr discovered the prize by checking his computer and finding a congratulations email before noticing a missed call from Sweden.
- He initially thought it was a birthday message and only later realized the Nobel had contacted him.
Morning Surprise Without Coffee
- Joel describes being overwhelmed and still trying to absorb the news early in the morning without coffee.
- He admits feeling confused and asks to be called later once he's had coffee to discuss his work.
Never Expected To Be A Laureate
- Joel says he attended the ceremony ten years earlier as a guest and never imagined becoming a laureate himself.
- He lists that he had a whole list of expected winners and did not include himself among them.