Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt

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Which is more dangerous, a gun or a swimming pool? Which should be feared more: snakes or french fries? Why do sumo wrestlers cheat? In this groundbreaking book, leading economist Steven Levitt—Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago and winner of the American Economic Association’s John Bates Clark Medal for the economist under 40 who has made the greatest contribution to the discipline—reveals the answers. Joined by acclaimed author and podcast host Stephen J. Dubner, Levitt presents a brilliant—and brilliantly entertaining—account of how incentives of the most hidden sort drive behavior in ways that turn conventional wisdom on its head.

The book Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything is an interesting read that combines the theories of economics with everyday issues and topics, presenting a series of fascinating and engaging exercises. Written by Stephen J. Dubner and Steven Levitt, this book provides a unique take on various things that we face every day. It was published by William Morrow in 2013. The book became popular thanks to its unique narrative style, which presents complex economic concepts using humor and everyday wisdom.

The book is written in the format of essays that cover economic issues and dissect how they are connected to everyday life. There are a total of six essays in the book. The first chapter deals with the issue of cheating and uses the example of sumo wrestlers. The second chapter deals with real estate agents and their practice of information control. The third chapter is about drug dealing, explained in an unconventional manner. It talks about the life and earnings of cocaine dealers and the low wages they earn. The fourth chapter deals with the topic of abortion and discusses how abortions have helped reduce crime rates. The fifth chapter is about parenting and education. The sixth chapter sheds light on the issue of naming children and the socioeconomic patterns related to it. The book uses interesting methodologies to put forward its teachings and often takes unconventional stands.

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