Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything

Have you ever wondered what sumo wrestlers might have in common with teachers? Or perhaps you wondered what the true quantitative impact of a parent is. Steven Levitt, the "rogue" economist of the title, has taken the phrase, "thinking outside the box," to a whole new level in his new book. And boy, is it a ride.

Freakonomics is reminiscent of James Burke's highly entertaining book, Circles: Fifty Roundtrips Through History Technology Science Culture. Both books start at one question or scenario, and cover a whole lot of distance through time and space in a short amount of time. Levitt's questions, however, generally have a shock value, or simply a highly unexpected quality to them. One chapter in Freakonomics poses this question: What incentive do crack dealers really have? Instead of focusing on societal niceties and popular explanations, Levitt delves deep below the surface, finding shockingly... common? ... explanations. Though it may seem surprising, Levitt and Dubner liken the head crack dealer in a Chicago project to a boss at any business, as they both operate under similar incentives, and must coerce lower-paid employees into doing work for little money. However, the author does repeatedly point out that the main difference here is that general businesses are operating for legal profit, whereas the drug trade is most definitely not legal.

Levitt also explores the question of parenting: Exactly what impact "do" parents have on their children? His conclusions are quite interesting to read, as the genetic influence of parents is given a boost, while the nature vs. nurture debate is not entirely demolished either. Levitt also wrestles with questions of sumo wrestlers. Do they benefit by collusion? And do they help one another at specific times in an act of brotherhood?

These questions and more will blow your socks off... while also encouraging continued deep, strange and logical thinking. Perhaps after reading this book, you will never view the world in quite the same way again.