Tyler Cowen shares recent reading list on economics, history, and AI
9 reported
In a recent blog post, economist Tyler Cowen listed several books and a short story he has been reading. The list includes works on risk-taking, Confucian philosophy, the fall of republics, James Joyce, artificial intelligence, migration and democracy, parenting in the age of AI, demographic trends, and ancient Indian Ocean trade. Cowen offered brief commentary on some of the titles, noting that one book on Confucius did not raise his opinion of the thinker. He also described a short story about AI and aesthetics as one of the better ones on the topic.
What’s reported
Cowen listed Allison Schrager’s new book "Worth the Risk: The Seven Myths that Keep Us from Taking the Chances We Need to Take."
He mentioned "Dialogues of Confucius," translated and edited by Brian Buya and Wenwen Li, noting the works are likely by Confucius after all but did not raise his opinion of Confucius as a thinker.
He liked Thomas F. Madden’s "The Fall of Republics: A History from Ancient Carthage to the American Constitution," especially the section on Venice.
He called Frank Callanan’s "James Joyce: A Political Life" an excellent book that revalues Joyce, describing Joyce as highly politically conscious and influenced by Parnellism.
He recommended Alastair Reynolds’ short story "Zima Blue" as one of the better short stories about AI and aesthetics.
He listed Justin Gest’s "Democratic Drain: Global Migration and the Struggle for Democracy," which argues that widespread immigration can drain home countries of democracy supporters.
He listed Daniel Susskind’s "What Should My Children Do?: How to Flourish in the Age of AI," calling it a book that needed to be written.
He listed "Demographic Headwinds: The Economic Consequences of Lower Birth Rates and Longer Lives," edited by Melissa S. Kearney and Luke Pardue, describing it as a short volume suggesting worry is in order.
He listed Jeremy A. Simmons’ "Sea of Treasures: A Cultural History of Ancient Indian Ocean Trade."
Key figures
Tyler Cowen (economist, author of the blog post)
Allison Schrager (author)
Brian Buya (translator/editor)
Wenwen Li (translator/editor)
Thomas F. Madden (author)
Frank Callanan (author)
Alastair Reynolds (author)
Justin Gest (author)
Daniel Susskind (author)
Melissa S. Kearney (editor)
Luke Pardue (editor)
Jeremy A. Simmons (author)
Sources: marginalrevolution.com
