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Freakonomics

summary ofFreakonomicsBook by Steven D. Levitt, Stephen J. Dubner

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You’ll learn

  • About unseen forces in society
  • Why there's a covert fight against prejudice
  • What bias exists in your online world
  • How common beliefs can be misleading

first KEY POINT

The hidden side of economics is an integral part of the everyday life of humans

Economics is the field on which several life decisions are made, and economics is laden with incentives.The incentives in economics are what shape human life, decisions, and beliefs. Incentives are the tools by which a scenario is crafted and planted into the heart of the consumer by the layman. For every economic decision made, there are several factors that are responsible for it in a way that people will be urged to pay attention to it.The hidden side of economics is what famous authors Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner termed “Freakonomics.” “Freakonomics” is the work of two astute authors who took their time to research assiduously and come up with a book that explains the concept to the last detail.The information contained in this book is bound to change your orientation about economics and give you a leverage of decision-making over the layman.

second KEY POINT

The wrong incentives can make matters worse

Economics studies the root and origin of incentives. Incentives serve as guidelines by which humans adjust their lives to meet economic, social, and moral obligations.An economist is always enthusiastic when it comes to incentives. Economists find it hard to believe that there's a problem that cannot be solved. To economists, there's always an incentive, and as long as these incentives exist, solutions must come to any problem. It should be noted, however, that not all incentives are positive.

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first KEY POINT

Incentives are meant to push people to do more good things than bad things

second KEY POINT

Another incentive that thrives heavily is the principle of fear and access to information

third KEY POINT

Information is essential to the growth of any economy across the world

fourth KEY POINT

Conventional wisdom is a way of inventing false or inflated information to create an incentive for people to follow

fifth KEY POINT

The reason for a lot of people's interest in an underpaid job is because these people hope to one day be at the top of the ladder

sixth KEY POINT

The sudden and drastic decline in crime around the world created one huge mystery for experts

seventh KEY POINT

The art of parenting is one with assertions from various experts that has almost become comical

eighth KEY POINT

While the role of parents in the lives of children cannot be overlooked, it should also not be overstated

ninth KEY POINT

Obsessive or not, most parents want to believe that they are making a big difference in the kind of person their child turns out to be

tenth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Steven D. Levitt, a renowned economist, and Stephen J. Dubner, an acclaimed author, team up to deliver intriguing insights that ignite curiosity throughout.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores The Hidden Side of Everything about?

Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores The Hidden Side of Everything, authored by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner, delves into the unexpected correlations in various aspects of life, using economic theory to explore human behavior and decision-making. The book highlights how hidden incentives shape our choices, often revealing surprising truths about society.

What are the key takeaways from Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores The Hidden Side of Everything?

Key takeaways from Freakonomics include the idea that economic principles can illuminate important truths about everyday issues, such as crime rates and education. The authors emphasize the impact of incentives on behavior and challenge readers to question conventional wisdom.

Is Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores The Hidden Side of Everything worth reading?

Yes, Freakonomics is considered worth reading for anyone interested in understanding the hidden forces that drive our decisions and societal trends. Its engaging storytelling combined with insightful economic analysis makes it a fascinating read for both general audiences and those with a keen interest in economics.

How many pages is Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores The Hidden Side of Everything and when was it published?

Freakonomics spans approximately 336 pages and was first published on April 12, 2005. Its accessible writing style and intriguing subject matter have kept it popular since its release.

What insights does Freakonomics provide on human behavior and decision-making?

Freakonomics reveals that human behavior is often influenced by incentives rather than moral considerations alone, showcasing that decisions are frequently driven by self-interest. This book encourages readers to think critically about the underlying factors that influence their choices and societal norms.