Freakonomics

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Which is more dangerous, a gun or a swimming pool? What do schoolteachers and sumo wrestlers have in common? Why do drug dealers still live with their moms? These questions may seem atypical for an economist, but Steven D. Levitt is not an ordinary economist. He examines the riddles of everyday life—cheating, crime, sports, and parenting—often overturning conventional wisdom. Starting with vast amounts of data and simple, overlooked questions, he delves into life-and-death issues and some that are more peculiar. This leads to the exploration of a new field: freakonomics. Through engaging storytelling and sharp insights, Levitt and co-author Stephen J. Dubner demonstrate that economics fundamentally studies incentives—how people achieve their desires, especially when others have competing needs. They investigate the hidden aspects of various topics, including the dynamics of a crack gang, the realities of real estate agents, the myths surrounding campaign finance, the signs of cheating educators, and the secrets of the Ku Klux Klan. These narratives share a common belief: the modern world, despite its complexities and deceptions, is understandable and intriguing if approached with the right questions. Levitt's clever thinking reveals how to navigate through the clutter.