More Sex Is Safer Sex

More about the book

A witty and sharp exploration of how our individually rational decisions can lead to bizarre collective outcomes, along with humorous and serious solutions to various issues. Economics has evolved from the "dismal science" of the past, thanks to a new generation of economists who explain everyday behavior in accessible and entertaining language. Steve Landsburg, a pioneer in this movement, returns with provocative insights. He illustrates how our rational choices, when combined, can result in irrational crowd behavior—like standing at a ballpark where no one can see, or avoiding casual sex out of fear, which paradoxically makes it more dangerous. Landsburg proposes intriguing rule changes to "game the system," such as charging juries when a convicted felon is exonerated, or having Congress members represent voters chosen alphabetically. He even suggests addressing overpopulation by encouraging more children to innovate resource use. This book will not only entertain and provoke debate but also inspire readers to rethink their perspectives on the world in memorable ways.