Book · 2017 · Economics
WTF?!
An Economic Tour of the Weird
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And check out his book WTF an economic tour of the weird the best description I can think of for that book it's just like Freakonomics on steroids.
Steve Levitt · People I (Mostly) Admire · Jun 2021 Listen at 44:42 The best things said about it
In his latest book just out WTF an economic tour of the weird Leeson looks at just that at all historical weirdness.
Why people recommend it
WTF?! An Economic Tour of the Weird by Peter T. Leeson is a fascinating exploration of historical eccentricities, superstitions, and bizarre human behaviors analyzed through an economic lens. On an episode of People I (Mostly) Admire, Steve Levitt recommended the book during the conclusion of his interview with the author, describing it aptly as being similar to the popular book Freakonomics on steroids. Similarly, on the a16z Podcast, host Hanne Tidnam introduced Leeson and discussed how the book dives straight into historical weirdness, using entertaining examples to unpack serious concepts. Tidnam specifically highlighted a recurring theme throughout the chapters, focusing on how societies historically utilized beliefs, superstitions, and even scientific false beliefs as functional technologies to solve coordination problems and achieve desired social outcomes. By blending economics with bizarre historical practices such as animal trials and trial-by-fire, Leeson's work challenges readers to rethink rationality across different eras. The podcast discussions underscored the book's unique ability to make economics entertaining while shedding light on the underlying logic of seemingly absurd human customs and traditions throughout history.
Every mention
Steve Levitt and check out his book WTF an economic tour of the weird the best description I can think of for that book… 1
“and check out his book WTF an economic tour of the weird the best description I can think of for that book it's just like Freakonomics on steroids”
Mentioned on the show without a named speaker2
“in his latest book just out WTF an economic tour of the weird Leeson looks at just that at all historical weirdness”
“it's a theme that actually kind of runs throughout the book in different scenarios this idea of using people's beliefs their superstitions their scientific false beliefs as a technology”
