The world of economics has always been a motley crew rather than a group of experts, with many different perspectives on what’s best for people and the planet. The story of economists can be told through seven photographs, each showing an economist – or someone related to the field – in their natural habitat. Though economists have many disagreements about economic theory, there is one thing they all agree on: school should always be fun! Business is best when bats need killing is the motto of this rather cute-looking woman. Though she has a stern expression here, she still looks pretty cute to me!
While it’s not your traditional economic theory, her message is a familiar one for many people. Who doesn’t want to make a living doing something they enjoy? A lot of people hate their jobs and wish they could get paid to do something that they actually find enjoyable. As the British saying goes: “Work is the curse of the drinking classes.” To which the appropriate reply is “If you can’t drink and work – what’s work?” This economist has somehow manage to combine work with play, making a career out of being a fool!
1. Bats Are Killing This Economist – Stith Thompson
Key Words: Innocence, Euphoria, Hamlet
This picture of a young girl shows the pure innocence of childhood. This economist is the perfect embodiment of euphoria in the throes of discovery. She is so happy about her discovery that she’s about to burst. It’s like discovering an entirely new world! If only people could live this way forever… but as this next economist reminds us, we have to grow up at some point!
2. The Evolution of an Economist – Robert H. Frank
Key Words: Responsibility, Maturity, Work Ethic
This economist is growing up and he has a very good work ethic. He’s not just goofing off but studying hard to achieve his goals in life. He knows the value of hard work and wants to make something of himself in the world. But that’s not all! This economist has taken on the responsibility to pass down his knowledge to others who are less fortunate than he is! It shows a very mature side of him and his understanding about what makes for a happy peaceful society.
3. A Shot in the Dark – Mark Potts/Ted Jones
Key Words: Logic, Methodology, Thinking
This is a very logical way to think about economics. Using logic we can calculate what our savings are going to be and what will happen to them over time. The numbers in this picture show that the economist is really good at thinking things through! You can see in his face that he’s just come up with the most brilliant idea ever! I hope he starts working on it immediately so he can start offering it to everyone else! If everyone thought like him, there would be no war and nobody would have to work… That would be a happy world indeed!
4. In the Land of Economics – J. G. Thirlwall
Key Words: Trade, Globalization, International Relations
This economist is walking through a field in what appears to be some sort of marketplace or bazaar. He is having a jolly good time and I think he’s looking for something or someone to trade with. This economist’s appearance shows the true face of trade. When goods and services are traded, everyone involved in the transaction gets something that they wanted. There are no losers in this tableau, only happy winners!
5. The Collective of “Rational” Individualism – C. E. Ferguson
Key Words: Interdependence, Networking, The Black Market
Even though this economist is working hard, it seems that he’s not the only one who is the real power behind this organization! Hidden among the shadows are other people who have set up a black market for economic services; many of which seem to be aimed at helping others break free from their obligations to society! This economist’s face shows fear and desperation but there may be others that aren’t so generous about sharing their ill-gotten gains as he is! Sometimes we have to take care of ourselves before we can take care of others.
6. Crowdsourcing Economics – Joseph E. Stiglitz
Key Words: Trust, Transparency, Innovation
This economist is out in the field and has scaled some sort of building/structure to get a better view as he surveys the land! He’s checking for potential resources but he may just be a bit too close to the fence! I think we can all agree that there is no place more valuable than another’s back and this economist must know this! At least he seems to be taking the most sensible approach here by trying not to get hurt… that’s always smart!
7. I Love School – Harvey Molotch
Key Words: Distinction, Education, Growth
This economist girl is on the playground in her school. Though the camera doesn’t show it, she has a sly smile on her face and she knows that this is one of the happiest times in her life. Her whole world is centered around school and being a student. I don’t know much about economics but I think this next quote sums things up pretty well: “Our aim should be to do as well as we can at school; that way we can be happy when we grow up.” A lot of people will find some type of happiness from their work if they focus on doing a good job at it…
