14 posts tagged with "Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford"

When James Dallas Egbert III was reported missing from his college dorm in 1979, one of America's most flamboyant private detectives was summoned to solve the case. "Dallas" faced the same problems as many teenagers, but P.I. William Dear stoked fears that he might have fallen under the evil spell

Off the coast of an Italian island, an enormous cruise ship - seventeen floors high, three soccer pitches long - is tilting noticeably to one side. The local mayor is horrified: there are thousands of people on board the Costa Concordia, and it's only a matter of time before the

It's the season of giving: colorful paper and shiny bows, sure, and charitable giving, too. In this special episode, Jacob Goldstein, the host of What's Your Problem, gets smart about donating. Did you know that spending money on others makes you happier than spending money on yourself? Or that altruistic

Take the Cautionary Tales listener survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HCHGGZ3 What really drove the 2008 financial crash? What’s a shadow bank? And what’s the connection between NIMBYs and BANANAs? Tim Harford and Jacob Goldstein answer more of your questions. Do you have a question for Tim? Please send it in to [email protected]

In this episode of 'Cautionary Tales,' Tim Harford and Jacob Goldstein address the implications of AI on employment and identity, suggesting that fulfillment can be found outside traditional work roles. The conversation shifts to climate change impacts on insurance, the fragility of the shadow banking system leading to the 2008 financial crisis, and the pressing need for housing reform in both the UK and the US, highlighting community resistance embodied by NIMBY and BANANA sentiments. Their discourse underscores the importance of understanding financial systems and social dynamics in driving economic changes.

Take the Cautionary Tales listener survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HCHGGZ3 Charles Darwin was stumped by peacocks. According to his theory of evolution, some creatures were better equipped to survive in their particular environment than others. It explained a lot - but it didn't explain the peacock's brightly coloured tail feathers, which were

In this episode titled "Darwin's Grandpa and the Art of Sex Appeal," Tim Harford explores Charles Darwin's challenge in explaining the peacock's extravagant tail through the lens of sexual selection. Despite the tail's apparent disadvantage in survival, Darwin realized that attraction to mates plays a crucial role in evolution. The discussion is enriched by insights from Erasmus Darwin, Charles's grandfather, and Josiah Wedgwood, a pioneering potter, highlighting how family history and personal relationships contributed to their innovative thinking. This episode deftly merges humor and serious reflections on nature, art, and evolutionary theory.

Take the Cautionary Tales listener survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HCHGGZ3 In 1827, Edinburgh, Scotland was a world centre for anatomical study, but there was a shortage of cadavers for medical students to dissect. Two men, William Burke and William Hare, spotted a grim business opportunity. They began sourcing bodies - by any

In this Halloween episode of 'Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford,' the chilling story of William Burke and William Hare unfolds amidst Edinburgh's 1827 cadaver shortage. As Madgie Dougherty seeks her missing son, the narrative reveals the gruesome body-snatching enterprise that these men engaged in to profit from medical demand. Their actions highlight the moral complexities surrounding acceptable and repugnant markets, culminating in murder to supply cadavers. The episode intricately weaves historical context with economic ethics, raising profound questions about human behavior and societal values in times of desperation.

Tim Harford joined Nate Silver and Maria Konnikova on their podcast Risky Business to discuss two of history’s most compelling swindlers: Sam Israel III and John Law. We hope you enjoy this episode of Risky Business. It's available wherever you listen to podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of 'Cautionary Tales', Tim Harford, accompanied by Nate Silver and Maria Konnikova, explores the cautionary stories of historical con artists Sam Israel III and John Law. Sam Israel III's transformation of his hedge fund, Bayou Capital, into a Ponzi scheme illustrates the pitfalls of deception and the consequences of short-term thinking, culminating in his attempt to fake his own death as he faced prison time. The episode also examines John Law's impact on the financial system in 18th-century France, revealing the blurred lines between innovation and fraud. Through these tales, the discussion emphasizes themes of risk, human error, and the necessity of foresight in decision-making.

India, 1930. Sarojini Naidu is marching towards a British-controlled saltwork; behind her is a long column of protestors all dressed in white. The great campaigner for India's Independence, Gandhi, is now in jail. In his place, he's chosen Naidu to lead this movement against the hard and fearsome British Empire.

In this episode of "Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford," the focus is on Sarojini Naidu, a pivotal leader in India's independence movement. Leading a non-violent protest march to a British saltworks in 1930 while Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned, Naidu exemplified peaceful resistance despite facing armed opposition. Her journey from disillusionment with British culture at Cambridge to advocating for civil disobedience after witnessing atrocities like the Amritsar massacre highlights her transformation into a determined activist. Naidu's efforts aimed to expose the injustices of British rule, ultimately contributing to the global awareness of India's independence struggle and inspiring future non-violent movements around the world.

Early morning, April 1789. Captain Bligh is abruptly dragged from his cabin. Wrists bound, bayonet pressed to his chest, he and a few loyal sailors are forced into a tiny launch and set adrift on the vast Pacific Ocean. This far from land, no-one is likely to survive for long.

In this episode of 'Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford,' we explore the life of Captain William Bligh during the infamous mutiny on HMS Bounty in April 1789. Initially presented as a rational leader inspired by Captain James Cook, Bligh's approach deteriorated due to insubordination and discontent among his crew. Although he aimed to foster fairness, his methods grew harsher, ultimately leading to mutiny led by Fletcher Christian. The episode highlights the delicate balance between authority and emotional perceptions, illustrating the challenges of leadership under stress, and connects these historical events to broader themes of fairness and decision-making as discussed in David Bodanis's book, 'The Art of Fairness.'

Paul Starrett has just won a major building contract. If everything goes according to plan, this will be the tallest building in the world. But will everything go according to plan? This prestigious new project will have Starrett's biggest workforce yet. Everyone will need to pull together, but labour relations

In 'Steel and Kindness: Clash of the Skyscrapers,' Tim Harford examines Paul Starrett's endeavor to construct the tallest building in the world amid challenging labor relations marked by strikes and violence. With just 13 months to complete the Empire State Building, Starrett adopted an ethical approach influenced by labor activist Jenny Curtis, implementing efficiency wages and improving working conditions. He recognized that a blend of kindness and vigilance was necessary for success. Ultimately, Starrett's effective management strategies, which prioritized fairness and safety, led to the timely completion of the building, highlighting that decency can coexist with achievement.

Leo Durocher would stop at nothing to win. The baseball player-turned-manager was a skilled tactician and famously tough. But he also cheated, intimidated umpires and was violent; he was even known to beat up fans. Durocher was famous for coining the phrase "nice guys finish last" - but is that

In this episode of 'Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford,' titled 'The Nice Guy, the Bully and the Kiss,' the life of Leo Durocher is explored, highlighting his aggressive tactics and the philosophy that 'nice guys finish last.' Through anecdotes and historical context, the discussion critiques Durocher's management style, which included bullying and unethical practices, contrasting it with the fairness epitomized by rival Gil Hodges. The narrative emphasizes that success can be achieved without sacrificing integrity, aligning with ideas from David Bodanis's book on decency in a competitive world.

Tim Harford's life has been building up to this moment. In this Cautionary Conversation, he discusses the works of his favorite author J.R.R. Tolkien and the social science at play in Amazon Prime's series The Rings of Power. What do elves and whistleblowers have in common? How can evil hide

In this episode of 'Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford,' the discussion revolves around Galadriel's character in Amazon Prime's 'The Rings of Power,' exploring themes of obsession, whistleblowing, and societal judgment through her relentless pursuit of Sauron. The conversation draws parallels to real-world whistleblowers, highlighting the challenges they face, as well as the complexities of evil represented in Tolkien's universe, particularly through the origins and implications of orcs. Furthermore, the episode delves into the moral agency of humans, the deceptive nature of appearances, and the cautionary lessons about power and preparedness that resonate with historical contexts.

Young doctor Jesse Lazear has deadly Yellow Fever. He thrashes around and convulses in his sick bed, and his vomit is black. He is just 34 when he dies. Curiously, mosquito expert Lazear was researching the disease when he became ill. Some historians think his infection wasn't an accident, and

In this episode of 'Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford', we explore the story of Dr. Jesse Lazear, whose research into yellow fever transmission led to his tragic death. The episode discusses John Moran's willing participation in dangerous experiments and questions the ethics of human challenge trials, reflecting on historical sacrifices made for science. Through Lazear's and others' experiences, the episode asks vital questions about informed consent, the risks of medical research, and whether society is prepared to accept the contributions of those who take such risks for the greater good of public health.