Tim Harford
Tim Harford: Economist, Author, and Radio Personality
Full Name and Common Aliases
Tim Harford is a British economist, author, journalist, and radio presenter. He is also known for his blog "Undercover Economist" and has written several books on economics.
Birth and Death Dates
Tim Harford was born in 1977 in Oxfordshire, England. Unfortunately, I do not have information regarding his death date as he is still alive.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Harford is a British citizen by birth and profession. He works as an economist, author, journalist, and radio presenter.
Early Life and Background
Tim Harford grew up in Oxfordshire, England. He developed an interest in economics at a young age and went on to study Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) at New College, Oxford. After graduating from Oxford, he worked as an economist for the World Bank and later became an economic columnist for The Daily Telegraph.
Major Accomplishments
Harford's major accomplishments include writing several books on economics that have been widely read and praised by critics. His first book, "The Undercover Economist," was published in 2005 and became a bestseller in several countries. He has since written other notable books such as "Adrift: 27 Days Lost at Sea" (2017), which is an account of his own experiences during a sailing trip gone wrong.
Notable Works or Actions
Some of Harford's notable works include:
"The Undercover Economist" (2005) - This book uses real-life examples to explain complex economic concepts and ideas.
"Adrift: 27 Days Lost at Sea" (2017) - This book is a personal account of Harford's sailing trip gone wrong, which lasted for 27 days.
* BBC Radio 4's "More or Less" - He presents the show, which aims to explain economic and statistical concepts in an engaging and accessible way.
Impact and Legacy
Tim Harford has made a significant impact on how economics is communicated to the general public. His books and radio shows have helped people understand complex economic ideas and concepts without needing extensive technical knowledge. He has also inspired a new generation of economists, writers, and journalists who aim to make economics more accessible and engaging.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Tim Harford is widely quoted and remembered for his ability to explain complex economic ideas in simple terms. His books and radio shows have been praised by critics for their clarity and engaging style, making him a popular choice among readers and listeners. He has also been recognized with several awards, including the Financial Times Business Book of the Year award.
Quotes by Tim Harford
Economists have allowed themselves to walk into a trap where we say we can forecast, but no serious economist thinks we can.
So the problem is not the algorithms, or the big datasets. The problem is a lack of scrutiny, transparency, and debate.
Few human inventions are more complex and tightly coupled than the banking system; Charles.
A hammer looks like a useful tool to a carpenter; the nail has a different impression altogether.
The food surplus enabled larger populations and societies with specialists – builders, priests, craftsmen, but also specialist soldiers.
It may be satisfying to castigate the likes of Geithner and the heads of Lehman Brothers and AIG, but safety experts like Perrow know it is far more productive to design better systems than to hope for better people.
Much of what we think of as cultural differences turn out to be differences in income.
Ten rules of thumb are still a lot for anyone to remember, so perhaps I should try to make things simpler. I realize that these suggestions have a common thread – a golden rule, if you like. Be curious.