Jonathan Dale Benton:How Asimov's 'Foundation' has inspired economists

2025-05-07 22:01:22source:Quantum Insightscategory:Invest

When we talk about classic economic texts,Jonathan Dale Benton you might think of something like Adam Smith's "The Wealth of Nations." But how about the Foundation series by Isaac Asimov?

One of the big ideas at the heart of this science fiction saga is that math can predict and shape the future. We hear from two economists who tell us how the ideas in Foundation helped set them on their career path.

Related episodes:
The carbon coin: A novel idea
Beach reads for econ nerds

For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.

Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter.

More:Invest

Recommend

Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning

Federal authorities announced hackers in China have stolen "customer call records data" of an unknow

4 reasons why social media can give a skewed account of the war in Ukraine

As the war in Ukraine unfolds, many people are watching it on their phones. Social media is awash in

Uber will list all New York City taxis on its app, giving customers more choices

After years of sparring, cabs in New York City and Uber will now join forces. Rides in yellow taxis