Today is: 9 March, 2010
A Harvard professor's research suggests that diversity can 'bring out the turtle is all of us' and that it may work to reduce civic engagement. The work is definitely worth a discussion about the study itself and how the issues it raises might be mitigated.
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...happiness levels have remained flat, while incomes have been rising sharply. In other words, although the majority of people within western societies have become infinitely richer over time, we haven't become any happier."
 | Freakonomics : A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything author: Steven D. Levitt Stephen J. Dubner rating:  asin: 006073132X binding: Hardcover list price: $25.95 USD amazon price: $25.95 |
This book has had a tremendous amount of buzz, and so I was curious as to what a 'rogue economist' had to say that was so interesting.
And indeed, the book has its moments, as when it compares realtors to the Klan and asks what McDonald's and a gang hierarchy might have in common. Perhaps most controversial is the author's contention that legalized abortion contributed to crime rate changes.
The economist does pose some interesting questions and then goes about answering them in a rational, strictly by the numbers fashion. The book prompts you to think about the real relationships underlying sociological phenomenon.
The book suffers though, from the lack of an overall theme and direction. Most frustrating is the fact that the book asks a fairly important question - do parents really have any impact on how their kids turn out? - and then fails to answer it. The book fizzles out on an analysis of naming patterns and the implications for your child's future. That section starts out being interesting, but carries on far too long.