Andrew Leigh

Explore the human story of economics ... 'The secret of economics is that the most powerful insights come from a handful of big ideas that anyone can follow.' This small book tells a big story. From ancient times to the modern world, The Shortest History of Economics unearths the hidden economic forces behind war, innovation and social transformation. It traces how capitalism and the market system emerged, and introduces the key ideas and people who shaped the discipline of economics. From the agricultural revolution to the warming of our planet, Andrew Leigh tells the story of economics that ranges across centuries and continents, highlighting the diversity of the discipline. He delves into the radical origins of the game of Monopoly, why the invention of the plough worsened gender inequality, how certain diseases shaped the patterns of colonialism, the reasons skyscrapers emerged first in American cities, and much more. The result is an illuminating, entertaining book about the economic ideas and forces that shape our world. 'This "short" book is bursting with insights about economics, illustrated by memorable stories and historical events. People who are curious about but confused by economics will learn enough from this volume to be conversant for life. Andrew Leigh is not only an engaging writer, he is charming and fun as well -- something that cannot be said of all economists!' -- Caroline M. Hoxby, Donya Bommer Professor of Economics, Stanford University 'If you read just one book about economics, make it Andrew Leigh's clear, insightful, and remarkable (and short) work. Learn why we are richer, live longer, have healthier children, are monumentally more productive and are happier than our ancestors.' -- Claudia Goldin, Nobel Laureate, Henry Lee Professor of Economics, Harvard University 'Leigh takes the reader on an engaging romp through key moments in the world's economic history that created the economies we see today around the globe. It is essential reading for anyone looking to understand today's economy.'-- Betsey Stevenson, Professor of Economics, University of Michigan, and co-author of Principles of Economics

The Shortest History of Economics

A fascinating account of how radical researchers have used experiments to overturn conventional wisdom and shaped life as we know it Experiments have consistently been used in the hard sciences, but in recent decades social scientists have adopted the practice. Randomized trials have been used to design policies to increase educational attainment, lower crime rates, elevate employment rates, and improve living standards among the poor. This book tells the stories of radical researchers who have used experiments to overturn conventional wisdom. From finding the cure for scurvy to discovering what policies really improve literacy rates, Leigh shows how randomistas have shaped life as we know it. Written in a “Gladwell-esque” style, this book provides a fascinating account of key randomized control trial studies from across the globe and the challenges that randomistas have faced in getting their studies accepted and their findings implemented. In telling these stories, Leigh draws out key lessons learned and shows the most effective way to conduct these trials.

How Radical Researchers Are Changing Our World

Randomistas

Did you know that another 10cm of height boosts your income by thousands of dollars per year? Or that a boy born in January is nearly twice as likely to play first grade rugby league as a boy born in December? Or that natural disasters attract more foreign aid if they happen on a slow news day? And that a perfectly clean desk can be as inefficient as a messy one?..Drawing on examples and data from across Australia, Andrew Leigh shows how economics can be used to illuminate what happens on the sporting field, in the stockmarket, and at work. Economics has things to say about AC/DC and Arthur Boyd, dating and dieting, Grange and Geelong, murder and poverty. Incentives matter, often in surprising ways and seemingly simple everyday activities can have unexpected outcomes. Insights from behavioural economics can also help us make better decisions...If you like fresh facts and provocative ideas, this is great train and weekend reading. You'll soon see the world and the people around you in a new light.

The hidden reasons for our curious choices and surprising successes

The Economics of Just About Everything

True Tales of Disaster and Outrageous Fortune

The Luck of Politics

Joshua Gans

How to get more innovation and more equality. Is economic inequality the price we pay for innovation? The amazing technological advances of the last two decades—in such areas as artificial intelligence, genetics, and materials—have benefited society collectively and rewarded innovators handsomely: we get cool smartphones and technology moguls become billionaires. This contributes to a growing wealth gap; in the United States; the wealth controlled by the top 0.1 percent of households equals that of the bottom ninety percent. Is this the inevitable cost of an innovation-driven economy? Economist Joshua Gans and policy maker Andrew Leigh make the case that pursuing innovation does not mean giving up on equality—precisely the opposite. In this book, they outline ways that society can become both more entrepreneurial and more egalitarian. All innovation entails uncertainty; there's no way to predict which new technologies will catch on. Therefore, Gans and Leigh argue, rather than betting on the future of particular professions, we should consider policies that embrace uncertainty and protect people from unfavorable outcomes. To this end, they suggest policies that promote both innovation and equality. If we encourage innovation in the right way, our future can look more like the cheerful techno-utopia of Star Trek than the dark techno-dystopia of The Terminator.

How to Create a Future That Is More Star Trek Than Terminator

Innovation + Equality

Michael Maynard

Top down leadership techniques are outdated. Today’s organisations are horizontally networked and constantly changing. They need leaders who can adapt, accept risk, collaborate and be transparent. This book distils 40 years of experience into 7 accessible skills that leaders need to thrive in business today. The 7 I’s of Leadership: Individuality, Insight, Initiate, Involve, Inspire, Improvise, Implement.Containing case studies, examples, questions and checklists, this book will enable you to understand the importance of these skills and will show you how to learn and implement them.

The Seven Skills to Engage, Inspire and Motivate

Leading the Way

How to Make a Powerful and Lasting Impression

The Charisma Effect

Nick Terrell

We’re all in this together. Strong social connections make communities more resilient. But today Australians have fewer close friends and local connections than in the past, and more of us say we have no-one to turn to in tough times. How can we turn this trend around? In Reconnected, Andrew Leigh and Nick Terrell look at some of the most successful community organisations and initiatives – from conversation groups to community gardens, from parkrun to Pub Choir – to discover what really works. They explore ways to encourage philanthropy and volunteering, describe how technology can be used effectively, and introduce us to remarkable and inspirational leaders. Reconnected is an essential guide for anyone interested in strengthening social ties. ‘Reconnected offers practical ideas, told through engaging stories of successful community-builders, about how to build a more connected Australia.’ —Robert D. Putnam, Professor of Public Policy at Harvard University and author of Bowling Alone and The Upswing ‘This inspiring collection of strategies and stories brings hope for the future. Reconnected shows that we are the revolution.’ —Dr Catherine Barrett, founder of The Kindness Pandemic

A Community Builder's Handbook

Reconnected

Ask anyone involved with management to name the 20 most important skills and competencies and you will encounter a wide range of responses. However, there will also be a broad agreement on what it takes to be a successful manager and The Secrets of Success in Management reveals all the key skills and core capabilities every manager needs to master from setting objectives and solving problems to negotiating and coaching. The book is divided into 20 bite-size chapters that provide proven techniques, hints, tips, ideas and know-how that you can use immediately to get you on the road to successful management. Learn how to: * Manage your team * Give powerful presentations * Listen effectively * Solve problems * Handle stress * Win respect and acquire influence * Negotiate to win * Manage Yourself ...and much more.

20 Ways to Survive and Thrive

The Secrets of Success in Management

Why catastrophic risks are more dangerous than you think, and how populism is making them worse. Did you know that you’re more likely to die from a catastrophe than in a car crash? The odds that a typical US resident will die from a catastrophic event—for example, nuclear war, bioterrorism, or out-of-control artificial intelligence—have been estimated at 1 in 6. That’s fifteen times more likely than a fatal car crash and thirty-one times more likely than being murdered. In What’s the Worst That Could Happen?, Andrew Leigh looks at catastrophic risks and how to mitigate them, arguing provocatively that the rise of populist politics makes catastrophe more likely. Leigh explains that pervasive short-term thinking leaves us unprepared for long-term risks. Politicians sweat the small stuff—granular policy details of legislation and regulation—but rarely devote much attention to reducing long-term risks. Populist movements thrive on short-termism because they focus on their followers’ immediate grievances. Leigh argues that we should be long-termers: broaden our thinking and give big threats the attention and resources they need. Leigh outlines the biggest existential risks facing humanity and suggests remedies for them. He discusses pandemics, considering the possibility that the next virus will be more deadly than COVID-19; warns that unchecked climate change could render large swaths of the earth uninhabitable; describes the metamorphosis of the arms race from a fight into a chaotic brawl; and examines the dangers of runaway superintelligence. Moreover, Leigh points out, populism (and its crony, totalitarianism) not only exacerbates other dangers but is also a risk factor in itself, undermining the institutions of democracy as we watch.

Existential Risk and Extreme Politics

What's the Worst That Could Happen?

Perfect Leader shows clearly how everybody can learn to exercise leadership. Are leaders born or made? The book is comprehensive yet concise and to the point. It is written in clear language and is designed to be of immediate, practical benefit to readers. It explains exactly what it takes to be a leader by identifying and examining the seven 'I's of leadership: Insight --Initiative --Inspiration --Involvement --Improvisation --Individuality --Implementation. Today's business methods, with their emphasis on teamwork, and on fewer layers of management, mean that there is a need for effective leaders to bring about corporate success - and in the process build themselves a satisfying career. The Perfect series is a range of practical guides that give clear and straightforward advice on everything from getting your first job to choosing your baby's name. Written by experienced authors offering tried-and-tested tips, each book contains all you need to get it right first time.

Perfect Leader

A forensic examination of Australian life, this insightful book suggests that contemporary society has lost touch with its communities and its people. Written from an economist's perspective and based on organizational membership records and surveys, it presents the reasons why the social fabric has begun to fray and outlines the necessary steps to create a better civic and personal life. Distilling various aspects of Australian routine--including religion, sport, and employment--this book reveals what is being lost and how to get it back.

Disconnected

Dana Mareş

cum să faci o impresie puternică şi durabilă

Charisma

Make a powerful, positive and lasting impact and become the person everyone remembers, as you discover how Charisma can take YOU to a whole new level. Learn how to unlock the secrets of being a success with everyone you meet by gaining their agreement, confidence, commitment and admiration. Packed full of strategies for increasing charisma, you will learn how to stand out from the crowd, communicate with confidence, establish lasting meaningful and life-changing relationships with people on every level, revolutionise your confidence and self-esteem and become more assertive so you can get what you want, when you want it. This new edition now includes new chapters covering key topics such as leadership and body language.

The Secrets of Making A Lasting Impression

Distilling years of hard-won success, experience, lessons and management wisdom, this book will help new and aspiring managers be the best they can be. For new and aspiring managers this exciting book will enable you to quickly learn all the clever and powerful tips, tricks, advice andknow-how that seasoned and experienced managers already know.You will pick up effective ideas and learn powerful, practical skills that will help you become a better, more successful manager who really delivers results.

Everything you need to succeed as a new manager

The Essentials of Management

How to get more innovation and more equality.

Andrew Leigh

About

Books

Join the club