Person
Every book Michael Chwe recommended on podcasts
Michael Chwe discussed several books during his appearance on Freakonomics Radio, focusing on literature and economic concepts. He analyzed Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, using the opening matchmaking maneuvers and Mrs. Bennet's matchmaking strategies to show how Austen depicted strategic thinking and effective maneuvering. Chwe also drew on a conversation in Austen's Emma to illustrate the economic idea of opportunity cost and how choices depend on real alternatives. Furthermore, he brought up Sheryl Sandberg's book Lean In while discussing how women share strategic advice, using its guidance on how to request a raise as a specific example of workplace strategy.
Books recommended by Michael Chwe
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Pride and Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is a classic nineteenth-century romantic novel that explores the turbulent relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy amidst themes of class, reputation, and love.
Discussed“So, like, for example, like in Pride and Prejudice, so like, you know, the very first manipulation is – this is kind of what gets the whole novel started is – so, you know, the Bingley's come into town and the Bennett family has five unmarried, you know, daughters”
Where to get it
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Emma
Emma by Jane Austen is a classic novel about a young woman engaging in matchmaking and social maneuvering in Regency England.
Discussed“So this is an interesting little economics concept. It comes from thinking about choice. In other words, you always choose between not just A and nothing but A and some other alternative which is a real alternative B. Okay, so one little thing in the novels is in Emma, Emma and her friend Ms. Weston are talking about Jane Fairfax.”
Where to get it
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Lean In
Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg is a prominent corporate manifesto that examines the structural barriers women face in the workplace and encourages female leaders to pursue professional ambition assertively.
Discussed“But I think that there is this kind of, you know, shared gossipy culture. You know, like the other day I read this article about, you know, Sheryl Sandberg's Lean In book, you know, how – so Sandberg says in her book, if you ask for a raise, don't go into your boss and say, hey, I need a raise.”
Where to get it
Appearances
| Episode | Podcast | Date | Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| 132. Jane Austen, Game Theorist | Freakonomics Radio | 2013-07-03 | 4 |
Other mentions (1: passing, ad reads, own books)
“So if you would, tell us the name of your most recent book then. Oh, yeah. Well, it's Jane Austen, Game Theorist. I have to say, that's one of the best book titles I've heard in a long time.”