Indexbit:How Asimov's 'Foundation' has inspired economists

2025-05-07 21:17:03source:Michael Schmidtcategory:Invest

When we talk about classic economic texts,Indexbit 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

Bill Belichick's salary at North Carolina: School releases football coach's contract details

The University of North Carolina has agreed to pay new football coach Bill Belichick $10 million a y

Supreme Court rejects Republican-led challenge to ease voter registration

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday turned away a challenge from Republican state lawmaker

North Carolina farmers hit hard by historic Helene flooding: 'We just need help'

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Nine acres of Jeff Nix's orchard look like a dried-out riverbed, layered with sand