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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Good Economics for Hard Times summary
Abhijit V. Banerjee
Esther Duflo
Better Answers to Our Biggest Problems
30 mins
Brief summary
Good Economics for Hard Times by Abhijit V. Banerjee & Esther Duflo is an insightful look at the biggest challenges of our times - immigration, inequality, and economic growth. Using real-life examples and economic analysis, the book provides innovative and practical solutions for policymakers and citizens alike.
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Good Economics for Hard Times
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Key idea 1 of 11
Economists can help us solve the world’s gravest problems – but they first have to gain our trust.
In a public poll about how much people trust the opinions of different professionals, nurses ranked the highest and politicians, perhaps unsurprisingly, the lowest. What might be surprising is that economists were ranked only slightly above politicians. Their opinions were seen as being very unreliable.
But why? Perhaps because the vocal economists we see on the news are not the most trustworthy. Often, they are actually employed by a company and have a very pointed agenda toward protecting market interests.
Alternatively, they may be academic economists with extreme views. Whether on the right or the left, economists with an ideological axe to grind don’t always give the most nuanced, trustworthy analysis. Often, even good economists don’t take the time to explain the evidence and reasoning in a way that others can understand. To make matters worse, the opinions of academic economists can seem counterintuitive or illogical because their views don’t match up with what we’re told by politicians.
The fact that people don’t trust economists is problematic. Why? Because they can give us very important information about how to solve some of the world’s most critical problems. So, how can economists start to earn our trust and talk about issues in a way we understand?
For a start, they have to be willing to share their thought processes as well as their conclusions. If we have access to the data they use as evidence and are privy to how they think about that evidence, we’re more likely to believe them.
Even more importantly, they have to be willing to admit that they’re fallible. Today's political and economic debate has become like a shouting match, with each side dearly attached to their own point of view. Economists have to be willing to look at the evidence with an open mind, and where necessary, revise their opinions and admit when they get it wrong.
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What is Good Economics for Hard Times about?
Good Economics for Hard Times (2019) unflinchingly examines some of the most seemingly intractable problems we’re confronting today. Abhijit V. Banerjee and Esther Duflo argue that economics can provide new perspectives on how to solve climate change without hurting the poor, and also tackle social problems caused by rising inequality, global trade, and fear of immigration.
Good Economics for Hard Times Review
Good Economics for Hard Times (2019) provides a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on the pressing economic challenges of our time. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It offers practical solutions backed by rigorous research, giving readers valuable insights into how to navigate difficult economic situations.
- Through engaging case studies and data-driven analysis, the book demonstrates the impact of policy choices on real people's lives, making it highly relevant and compelling.
- The authors' clear and accessible explanations of complex economic concepts ensure that the book is never dry or boring, making the subject matter engaging for readers of all backgrounds.
Who should read Good Economics for Hard Times?
- People who want to regain their faith in the usefulness of economics
- Environmentalists who want a new perspective on how to save the planet
- Workers who are worried about how immigration and trade will affect their jobs
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Good Economics for Hard Times FAQs
What is the main message of Good Economics for Hard Times?
The main message of Good Economics for Hard Times is that economic solutions should be based on empirical evidence and a deep understanding of human behavior.
How long does it take to read Good Economics for Hard Times?
The reading time for Good Economics for Hard Times varies depending on the reader, but it takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Good Economics for Hard Times a good book? Is it worth reading?
Good Economics for Hard Times is a must-read. It provides insightful analysis, backed by rigorous research, on pressing economic issues faced by society.
Who is the author of Good Economics for Hard Times?
The authors of Good Economics for Hard Times are Abhijit V. Banerjee and Esther Duflo.
What to read after Good Economics for Hard Times?
If you're wondering what to read next after Good Economics for Hard Times, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Doughnut Economics by Kate Raworth
- Economics: The User’s Guide by Ha-Joon Chang
- 23 Things They Don’t Tell You About Capitalism by Ha-Joon Chang
- Economics for the Common Good by Jean Tirole
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- How to Talk to Anyone by Leil Lowndes
- Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki
- The Power of Not Thinking by Simon Roberts
- The Square and the Tower by Niall Ferguson
- Principles For Dealing With the Changing World Order by Ray Dalio
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