This is a wonderful discussion about where the US stands right now as to not just economics, but also what kind of country we want to be. Having strivers in my family who care deeply about learning and contributing to society, this made me weep for what we are losing under our current governmental circumstances. Thank you for your perspective.
That was one of the best interviews on The Contrarian. Wide ranging, encompassing, thoughtful and interesting. Lots of food for thought on the connections among economy, government policy, education, achievement. I also agree that "we are all in the confirmation bias whirlwind." Whatever "direction" one faces, everyone needs a reality check.
A brilliant and sensitive analysis of our 'present administration' and its effects on our lives and our futures. May this discussion move beyond this moment; may we all commit to excellence and striving. Thank you. -Kathleen
What a fascinating discussion. Justin Wolfers has a remarkable ability to make economics understandable to the lay person, as well as a rigorous intellectual honesty coupled with a sly sense of humor. And Jen is always an adroit interviewer. Thanks to both.
I was not going to listen to this interview since economy topics usually is not my thing, but at first I was drawn in by Justin’s accent (love accents!) and I always like to listen to Jen so i gave it a chance. I’m so glad that I did because the conversation was so interesting and educational, even to a non-economist mind! I’m so glad I did listen from the beginning to the end because I learned so much. Thank you both! And Justin’s students are very lucky to have such a brilliant professor along with a great sense of humor!
This is a discussion for the ages!! Jen and Justin play off of each other perfectly and he is the most eloquent spokesman on our situation I have heard to date.
An interesting and insightful discussion on how our economy works. Bringing the Nobel laureates into the conversation is a parallel to the current discussion. In order to make relevant analogies it sometimes takes different disciplines to come up with a Nobel prize winner such as the discoverers of the DNA molecule. James Watson, An American was a bird watcher in his early days who later studied with Francis Crick a British physicist and physical chemist Rosalind Franklin who was not recognized due to her premature death at 37. I could go on about this story but in the interest of brevity it takes all of us to make up an economy. In 1983, Kary Mullis discovered PCR, the technique that revolutionized molecular biology, forensics, ecology, medicine and many other disciplines. Ten years later in 1993, Mullis received the Nobel Prize in chemistry for his discovery. He is also an alumni of UC Berkley.
Such a wonderful discussion. Was almost brought to tears when Professor Wolfers described his experience when arriving in America and his love for this country. We cannot let this regime destroy our wonderful country.
Jen, thank you for this truly outstanding interview! It is sobering, thought provoking, and offers an overflowing amount of substance. It merits repeated listens.
Yes to what the working class wants for their kids. My dad had a GED and was thrilled that two of his kids got PhDs. A friend from college went home to PA for the summer and worked in a steel mill -- father's insistence, so that he'd remember why he wanted to excel in college.
I so much appreciate the knowledge and the true calmness that Justin Wolfers brings. He explains economics in a way I can understand. Thanks for having this conversation.
This is a wonderful discussion about where the US stands right now as to not just economics, but also what kind of country we want to be. Having strivers in my family who care deeply about learning and contributing to society, this made me weep for what we are losing under our current governmental circumstances. Thank you for your perspective.
That was one of the best interviews on The Contrarian. Wide ranging, encompassing, thoughtful and interesting. Lots of food for thought on the connections among economy, government policy, education, achievement. I also agree that "we are all in the confirmation bias whirlwind." Whatever "direction" one faces, everyone needs a reality check.
A brilliant and sensitive analysis of our 'present administration' and its effects on our lives and our futures. May this discussion move beyond this moment; may we all commit to excellence and striving. Thank you. -Kathleen
What a fascinating discussion. Justin Wolfers has a remarkable ability to make economics understandable to the lay person, as well as a rigorous intellectual honesty coupled with a sly sense of humor. And Jen is always an adroit interviewer. Thanks to both.
I was not going to listen to this interview since economy topics usually is not my thing, but at first I was drawn in by Justin’s accent (love accents!) and I always like to listen to Jen so i gave it a chance. I’m so glad that I did because the conversation was so interesting and educational, even to a non-economist mind! I’m so glad I did listen from the beginning to the end because I learned so much. Thank you both! And Justin’s students are very lucky to have such a brilliant professor along with a great sense of humor!
This is a discussion for the ages!! Jen and Justin play off of each other perfectly and he is the most eloquent spokesman on our situation I have heard to date.
Learned so much as usual with Ms. Rubin and Dr. Wolfers. Excellent point on resentment culture. And the Nobels! All said, Go Illini!
The Contrarian is always the cutting edge!
I continually look forward to your conversations with Justin Wolfers.
These are exceptional discussions and we all learn so much that is practical , concise and easy to follow.
An interesting and insightful discussion on how our economy works. Bringing the Nobel laureates into the conversation is a parallel to the current discussion. In order to make relevant analogies it sometimes takes different disciplines to come up with a Nobel prize winner such as the discoverers of the DNA molecule. James Watson, An American was a bird watcher in his early days who later studied with Francis Crick a British physicist and physical chemist Rosalind Franklin who was not recognized due to her premature death at 37. I could go on about this story but in the interest of brevity it takes all of us to make up an economy. In 1983, Kary Mullis discovered PCR, the technique that revolutionized molecular biology, forensics, ecology, medicine and many other disciplines. Ten years later in 1993, Mullis received the Nobel Prize in chemistry for his discovery. He is also an alumni of UC Berkley.
I also find Rosalind Franklin a very interesting story. She faced misogyny, anti Semitism and men who "stole" her work.
👏👏 love this conversation!!
Such a wonderful discussion. Was almost brought to tears when Professor Wolfers described his experience when arriving in America and his love for this country. We cannot let this regime destroy our wonderful country.
Yes, amazing self-reflection! And so brilliant. Thank you, Jen, for inviting him. Please have him back.
Excellent. This must be shared widely.
Jen, thank you for this truly outstanding interview! It is sobering, thought provoking, and offers an overflowing amount of substance. It merits repeated listens.
Yes to what the working class wants for their kids. My dad had a GED and was thrilled that two of his kids got PhDs. A friend from college went home to PA for the summer and worked in a steel mill -- father's insistence, so that he'd remember why he wanted to excel in college.
I so much appreciate the knowledge and the true calmness that Justin Wolfers brings. He explains economics in a way I can understand. Thanks for having this conversation.
Fantastic conversation! Thank you!!