Superfreakonomics: Global Cooling, Patriotic Prostitutes and Why Suicide Bombers Should Buy Life Insurance

by Steve D. Levitt, Stephen J. Dubner

Genres: Economics

Paperback

Published June 24, 2010

Reviews

[Norbert Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a great book that applies the economic thinking to unexpected scenarios.
The main axis around which the chapters revolve is that people react to incentives. The plot twist comes in the form of the rule of unexpected consequences - in other words: goodwill can backfire in unexpected ways or how a destructive volcano eruption paired with a tsunami can save us from climate change.
One of the most interesting takeaways from this book was the Peltzman effect (described in the addendum): the idea that if you implement a safety device, it might incentivize outsized risk-taking and thus the implementation of the safety device leads to even more harm rather than an increase in safety.
I highly recomend this book for anyone interested in the unexpected laws of human nature that govern our everyday lives.

[DonnieDon · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books are just so interesting in a funny but still informative way. Always a good read.

[Gede Suprayoga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superfreakonomics answers unusual, everyday questions about crime, incentives, and even climate change. It explores them using economic logic and quantified data. The book moves quickly from one topic to the next, always challenging common assumptions.

The writing is clear and accessible, making complex ideas easy to understand without feeling too academic. It reads more like a collection of engaging stories than a traditional economics book, which makes it enjoyable even for readers without a background in the subject. Incentives and externalities are explained in a super-easy-to-understand way.

Some arguments, especially on larger global issues, may feel overly simplified. Even so, the book remains an entertaining and thought-provoking read that encourages readers to look at familiar problems from a different angle.

[Alex Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book, and interesting facts and data as always, but the chapter on climate change has aged like milk. It exuded 'tech bro' smugness, and I don't think a single suggestion in that chapter has come anywhere near fruition.