In 'Narrative Economics', Robert J. Shiller explores the powerful role that stories play in shaping economic outcomes and public behavior. He argues that the narratives surrounding economic events can be just as influential as the numbers themselves. Through historical examples and contemporary analysis, Shiller reveals how media and culture intertwine with economic theory. This thought-provoking work challenges traditional economic models by emphasizing the human element of economic decision-making. Discover why understanding the narratives behind economics might be key to predicting future crises and booms.
By Robert J. Shiller
Published: NaN
"Economic events are often driven more by narratives and beliefs than by objective data; understanding these stories is crucial for comprehending the markets."
"Economists have long based their forecasts on financial aggregates such as price-earnings ratios, asset prices, and exchange rate fluctuations, and used them to produce statistically informed speculations about the future--with limited success. Robert Shiller employs such aggregates in his own forecasts, but has famously complemented them with observations about the influence of mass psychology on certain events. This approach has come to be known as behavioral economics. How can economists effectively capture the effects of psychology and its influence on economic events and change? Shiller attempts to help us better understand how psychology affects events by explaining how popular economic stories arise, how they grow viral, and ultimately how they drive economic developments. After defining narrative economics in the book's preface with allusions to the advent of both the Great Depression and to World War II, Shiller presents an example of a recent economic narrative gone viral in the story of Bitcoin. Next, he explains how narrative economics works with reference to how other disciplines incorporate narrative into their analyses and also to how epidemiology explains how disease goes viral. He then presents accounts of recurring economic narratives, including the gold standard, real estate booms, war and depression, and stock market booms and crashes. He ends his book with a blueprint for future research by economists on narrative economics." -- Provided by publisher.
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“Economic events are often driven more by narratives and beliefs than by objective data; understanding these stories is crucial for comprehending the markets.”
Narrative Economics
By Robert J. Shiller
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Robert J. Shiller is a prominent American economist, best known for his analysis of financial markets and behavioral economics. He is a Sterling Professor of Economics at Yale University and a co-founder of the Case-Shiller index, which tracks U.S. home prices. Shiller gained international acclaim with his books, including 'Irrational Exuberance', which critiques the volatility of stock and real estate markets, and 'Animal Spirits', co-authored with George Akerlof, which explores the psychological factors affecting economic decision-making. His writing is characterized by its accessibility, blending rigorous economic theory with practical insights, engaging a broad audience and influencing both academic discourse and public policy.
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In "Misbehaving: The Making of Behavioral Economics," Nobel laureate Richard Thaler takes readers on a riveting journey through the evolution of behavioral economics, a field that challenges traditional economic theories. Thaler candidly shares his experiences and groundbreaking experiments that reveal how human behavior often defies rational expectations, leading to surprising choices in everyday life. With a blend of humor and keen insight, he highlights the quirks and biases that influence decision-making, reshaping our understanding of markets and policies. This enlightening narrative not only unveils the complexities of human behavior but also emphasizes the importance of incorporating psychology into economic thinking. Dive into a world where misbehavior leads to profound revelations about the way we live, work, and decide!
In "Nudge," behavioral economists Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein unveil the subtle art of influencing choices and shaping outcomes without restricting freedom. They explore how small, seemingly insignificant changes in the way options are presented can lead to drastically improved decisions in health, finance, and overall happiness. With compelling real-world examples and engaging insights, the authors demonstrate how understanding human psychology can empower individuals and policymakers alike. Dive into a world where choice architecture transforms lives and reshapes society's approach to welfare. Discover the hidden nudges that could change everything about the way we choose!
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