KQED's Forum Stephen Dubner on 20 years of Freakonomics
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Dec 16, 2024 
In this engaging conversation, Stephen Dubner, a journalist and co-creator of Freakonomics, dives into the peculiarities of human decision-making. He reflects on why predicting the future is so challenging and questions the real purpose of college. Dubner shares insights from their vast exploration of behavioral economics and discusses the complexities surrounding the legal marijuana industry. With sharp wit, he critiques traditional economic theories and emphasizes the blend of data and storytelling that defines Freakonomics.
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Reading Freakonomics
- Alexis Madrigal read Freakonomics in one sitting at Powell's Bookstore.
- It resonated because it offered a fresh perspective, combining data with unconventional explanations.
Freakonomics Partnership
- Stephen Dubner and Steven Levitt's partnership thrived due to mutual respect and diverse skill sets.
- Their work aimed to explore underexplored topics with data-driven insights.
Macroeconomic Shortcomings
- Macroeconomic predictions often miss the mark by neglecting the human element.
- Economists sometimes wrongly assume people can easily adapt to job displacement.
