Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt| Stephen J. Dubner

Book Summary:

Freakonomics is a fascinating and unconventional book that applies economic theory to a wide range of everyday (and unexpected) topics. Instead of focusing on traditional economics—like inflation or markets—the authors explore “the hidden side of everything” using data and critical thinking.

Some famous questions the book explores:

• What do schoolteachers and sumo wrestlers have in common?

• Why do drug dealers live with their moms?

• What makes a perfect parent?

• How did legalizing abortion in the U.S. affect crime rates decades later?

The core idea: Incentives drive behavior, and when you follow the data instead of assumptions, you find surprising truths.

The tone is witty, smart, and designed to challenge the reader’s way of thinking.

About the Authors:

Steven D. Levitt

• An American economist and professor at the University of Chicago.

• Known for his innovative and often controversial work on crime, education, and incentives.

• He doesn’t fit the stereotype of a traditional economist—he loves applying economics to real-world oddities.

Stephen J. Dubner

• A journalist and author who helped bring Levitt’s work to life in a highly readable style.

• His background in writing and storytelling is what makes the book so engaging.

Together, they’ve also written:

• SuperFreakonomics

• Think Like a Freak

• When to Rob a Bank

They also host the popular Freakonomics Radio podcast, which continues the same spirit of curious, data-driven exploration.