I decided to study economics in undergrad (and graduate school) because I enjoy neat explanations about the world.
For instance, the Consumerist brings you "How Bags of Oranges Cost More than Coke." The article and comments connect this phenomena to the increasing American waistlines. I don't need a high powered regression to buy into this idea. The Wendy's right outside the office has started a program where you get a free frosty with every purchase (once you buy a little card for $1). Every time I decide where to go for lunch that free frosty enters my calculation and has changed my behavior!
If you enjoy these types of thought exercises, I highly recommend the book MoneyBall by Michael Lewis. While many people prefer the "pizazz" of Freakonomics, I find Moneyball more satisfying. It ties the power of correlations to results. The real life story shows people combining economic thinking, statistics and risk-taking to win games.
What other books or articles have you enjoyed that show some interesting economic thinking?
Thanks to Steve Church for the Consumerist tip.
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