Economic lessons with a deeper twist

I think we all need to look at the world with different eyes. Most people try to measure success or failure by looking at the economics of a situation - trying to find answers by studying numbers - even though numbers can tell half the story. Many times we need to look beneath the surface for the real reasons why things are happening in society today.

Clever young social economists Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner, the authors of Freakonomics, observe things in a different way....looking for spicy motivation behind all sorts of behavior. They think about and observe circumstances in order to look at them in a very thoughtful way.

For example, we talk about good parenting every day - but Levitt tells us that a day-care center fined parents $3 per child when they showed up late to pick up their children. Of course, they hoped this would encourage parents to come on time....while in fact, the number of parents showing up late doubled when parents legitimized the cost as "parents could buy off their guilt."

And Levitt hands Jane Roe (of Roe vs. Wade) credit for reducing the number of millions of potential criminals born into America today. His research showed that legalized abortion led to less unwanted children that would be born into poverty and destitution - which ultimately (2 decades later) led to less crime. In fact, he says it had far greater impact than even gun control or the improved economy. Although this is shocking - it seems to be valid.

So remember, it’s not always wise to jump too fast – wait, watch and think. Don't look for quick answers...or make snap decisions - sometimes it is good to look deeper.

"The Science of Aging Gracefully"

"The Science of Aging Gracefully" was a conversation between gerontology scientists by phone and survey aimed at assessing their ideas on aging, according to the Public Agenda. It is interesting to note that most opinions formed by the public are effected by the media or politics....read on.

"Scientists say the field is on the threshold of a new way of thinking, shifting focus from specific illnesses to searching to understand aging itself as a biological process. The report suggests that many of the scientists' concerns about the public's understanding of these issues emanate from political arguments or media coverage rather than actual public opinion at large. For example, researchers are generally pessimistic about public support for funding, but the research suggests the public seems to be far more supportive of basic aging research than the official political voices might lead scientists to believe. Prepared for the Alliance for Aging Research and the American Federation for Aging Research. Funded by MetLife Foundation with additional support from Atlantic Philanthropies, Ellison Medical Foundation, John A. Hartford Foundation, Pfizer Inc and Retirement Research Foundation. The report is being presented at the White House Conference on Aging. " - Alison Kadlic and Ana Maria Arumi, with John Immerwahr and Lucyann Barry