Freakonomics Radio

Freakonomics Radio

An Economics Lesson from a Talking Pencil (Update)

June 11, 202540 min

0:0039:52

About this episode

A famous essay argues that “not a single person on the face of this earth” knows how to make a pencil. How true is that? In this 2016 episode, we looked at what pencil-making can teach us about global manufacturing — and the proper role of government in the economy. SOURCES:Caroline Weaver, creator of the Locavore Guide.Matt Ridley, science writer, British viscount and retired member of the House of LordsTim Harford, economist, author and columnist for the Financial TimesJim Weissenborn, former

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Freakonomics Radio

Freakonomics co-author Stephen J. Dubner uncovers the hidden side of everything — why is it safer to fly than drive, how do we decide whom to marry, and more.

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