Think Like a Freak

by Steven D. Levitt

Every time we pretend to know something, we are doing the same: protecting our own reputation rather than promoting the collective good.

But when it comes to solving problems, one of the best ways to start

Thinking like a Freak means you should work terribly hard to identify and attack the root cause of problems.

When it comes to generating ideas, the economic concept of “free disposal” is key.

Small questions are by their nature less often asked and investigated, and maybe not at all. They are virgin territory for true learning.

Statistical Abstract of the United States

It is easy to get seduced by complexity; but there is virtue in simplicity too.

Freaks like to have fun.

But best as we can tell, there is no correlation between appearing to be serious and actually being good at what you do.

changing the framework of a relationship can produce rapture.

Pay attention to how people respond; if their response surprises or frustrates you, learn from it and try something different.

Certain tools in the Freak arsenal may come in handy only once or twice in your lifetime.

The economist Peter Leeson, whose research has covered topics like Gypsy law and pirate economics,

You too can play God once in a while if you learn to set up a self-weeding garden.

smart people simply have more experience with feeling they are right,

“[W]e can be blind to the obvious, and we are also blind to our blindness.”