Freakonomics: a rogue economist explores the hidden side of everything by Steven D. Levitt
Adult Non-Fiction Upper Level
Seemingly absurd questions are asked, and answered, by the brilliant economist, Steven Leavitt, in this thoroughly engaging book. For example, what do Sumo wrestlers and public school teachers have in common? Or, why do drug dealers still live with their moms? I guarantee that some of the answers will surprise you.
Perhaps the greatest virtue of Freakonomics is that it encourages the reader to think critically and challenge conventional wisdom. As Leavitt points out, conventional wisdom was created by an economist to describe certain ideas that are generally accepted by the public to be true, regardless if they are or not.
The book boils down to the basic premise that doubt is a good thing. An Iranian proverb reminds us that “Doubt is the key to knowledge.” After reading Freakonomics odds are that you will begin to doubt a few things yourself.