Freakonomics by Stephen J. Dubner, Steven Levitt (2005, Hardcover)

Freakonomics was written by two very intelligent, informed, and knowledgable academic experts in the economic research field. They also follow what I believe was Einstein's definition of true genius, and that is to explain a debatable, fluid, and complex topic in simple enough terms that a non academic economic novice can absorb and retain this relevant information and feel better informed about the ways human nature really works. using incentives and penalties, those in authority can encourage certain behaviors and discourage others. What are the real triggers that influence and motivate our behaviors?Steven Levitt only asks and analyzes 6 questions. With many more intriguing inquiries concerning human nature, if his readers ask for his thoughts on other questions and he chooses to comply with those requests, he probably left plenty of room for several sequals pending positive reception of Freakonomics. He thinks ouside the box, answering some old questions in a new way and thinking of some questions so new few, if any, have ever asked them before. Ways and means of acheiving an end, adjusting a strategy to a changing circumstance, and common methods for attainning or maintaining a competetive advantage can be strikingly similar in the most unusual and unlikely of oraganizations. Dr. Levitt can open your mind to think about the world from a fresh, unique, and sensible perspective that the avearage Joe can understand. I think I remember him claiming NASA tried to recruit him to help with the rather emabarrassing human errors in the Shuttle Prpgram and the CIA wants his thoughts on where best to look for Osama bin Laden. I think I also heard either Rove, Rice, or Powell wanted him consultig for the Bush Administration. Needless to say, he is highly sought after. He class at Berkeley is so popular, they instituted a lottery to determine who gets admitted to the class any given semester. He makes Economics interesting, germaine to our daily lives, and even enlightening.