Stephen J. Dubner Boeken

Here at last is the long awaited sequel to the international bestselling phenomenon, Freakonomics. Steven Levitt, the original rogue economist, and Stephen Dubner have been working hard, uncovering the hidden side of even more controversial subjects, from charity to terrorism and prostitution. And with their inimitable style and wit, they will take us on another even more gripping journey of discovery. Four years in the making, SUPERFREAKONOMICS will once again transform the way we look at the world. It reveals, among other things, why you are more likely to be killed walking drunk than driving drunk; how a prostitute is more likely to sleep with a policeman than be arrested by one; why terrorists might be easier to track down than you would imagine; how a sex change ould boost your salary; and how there really is a cheap fix for climate change. The freakuel is even bolder, funnier and more surprising than its predecessor. With their unflinching analysis Levitt and Dubner overturn received wisdom: looking more deeply, asking more questions and, above all, thinking a little differently. Because sometimes the most superfreaky solution is the simplest.

Which is more dangerous, a gun or a swimming pool? What do schoolteachers and sumo wrestlers have in common? Why do drug dealers still live with their moms? These unconventional questions are explored by Steven D. Levitt, a distinguished economist who examines everyday life’s complexities—from crime and cheating to parenting and sports. His insights often challenge conventional wisdom, beginning with extensive data and simple inquiries. This exploration leads to the concept of freakonomics, where economics is viewed as the study of incentives—how individuals pursue their desires amid competing needs. Through engaging storytelling, Levitt and co-author Stephen J. Dubner delve into various topics, including the inner workings of a crack gang, the realities of real estate agents, and the myths surrounding campaign finance. They argue that despite the world's complexities and deceptions, it remains decipherable and intriguing if approached with the right questions. Levitt’s sharp and insightful analysis reveals that while morality reflects our ideals, economics reveals the true nature of how the world functions. Readers will find themselves equipped with captivating riddles and stories, making this work not just entertaining but transformative in reshaping our understanding of modern society.

Ze zijn onvoorspelbaar, ze hebben een gigantische impact... en achteraf proberen we ze aannemelijk en voorspelbaar te maken. Zwarte Zwanen zijn toevallige gebeurtenissen die ons leven bepalen, van bestsellers tot wereldrampen. Harry Potter was een Zwarte Zwaan, het internet, 11 september was er een. Zwarte Zwanen liggen ten grondslag aan bijna alle belangrijke gebeurtenissen in de geschiedenis, politiek, wetenschap, in zaken en privé. Waarom herkennen we Zwarte Zwanen pas achteraf? Omdat de mens details ziet, en geen algemeenheden. We richten ons op wat we al weten en vergeten keer op keer stil te staan bij wat we niet weten. We zijn geneigd om te simplificeren, verhalen te maken, in hokjes te duwen, en staan niet open voor het ‘onmogelijke’. We zijn blind voor toeval en daarom lopen we kansen mis. In deze spannende internationale bestseller verklaart Nassim Nicholas Taleb alles wat we weten over wat we niet weten. Hij biedt verrassend eenvoudig inzicht in hoe je voordeel kunt behalen met Zwarte Zwanen. De Zwarte Zwaan zal de manier waarop je naar de wereld kijkt veranderen. Het leert voorspellingen en advies te relativeren (en vaak te negeren), kritisch te denken en klaar te staan om snel te handelen.