Richard Thaler

Richard H. Thaler

Richard H. Thaler was awarded the 2017 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences. More on his theory that when it comes to money, people are irrational.
virtual farming

New Farming Frontiers—Heat, Pesticides, and Virtual Reality

As climate change pushes agriculture into the unknown realms, farmers develop new methods of farming and organic sustainable farming takes hold.
Rosie the Riveter

How Conflict Boosts the Economy

Historically speaking, we are living in unusually peaceful times. But does peacetime mean bad things for the economy, which is often boosted by war?
Leonardo DiCaprio as Jordan Belfort celebrating his company in the 2013 film, Wolf of Wall Street

Are the Rich More Selfish Than the Rest of Us?

When it comes to selfish behavior, a new study suggests rich and poor are divided more by circumstance than character.
1920s-era Remington Portable typewriter

The QWERTY Truth

How did the QWERTY keyboard became the gold standard? The answer is probably not what you'd think. Welcome to the economic concept of "path dependence."
The Titanic at sail in black and white

What the Titanic Reveals About Class and Life Expectancy

The recent anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic reminds us of the serious and often-roundabout influence socioeconomic status can ...
Jane Jacobs

Jane Jacobs and the American City

Jane Jacobs, who would have been 100 today and is the focus of the Google Doodle , was a big part of why cities like New York City and Toronto look and feel
Benjamin Franklin at work on a printing press.

Public Banks: An American Tradition

When it comes to finance and banking, early Americans like Benjamin Franklin make Bernie Sanders look conservative.
Benjamin Franklin

A Nation Built on Debt

What is debt and where did it come from?
Bodcaw Bank

Are Regulations Killing the Small Community Bank in America?

Will regulations aimed at large, investment-oriented banks kill the "It’s a Wonderful Life" promise of the American community bank?