Eduardo Porter

In this unique take on economics, finance, valuation, culture, and society, Eduardo Porter addresses the curious costs that are innate in life, and how people manipulate them. With chapters addressing everything from “stuff” to life, happiness, work, and the future, he examines monetary costs as well as the expectations that surround expensive and cheap goods and services. In the introduction, Porter notes that both the rich and poor evaluate the costs and benefits of their choices, and the prices that they determine (in monetary cost, time, resources, etc.) speaks a great deal about their values and situation in life.

This book addresses a variety of social and cultural issues, and puts them together in a way that will hopefully make you pause and consider for a moment the costs of the small and big things in everyday life. I know as I was reading it, there were several spots where I stopped and said, “Hey, listen to this!” This is a highly readable and provoking read; however, although there are citations in the endnotes, there is not a recommended reading list or bibliography addressing each particular chapter, which would be useful for those wanting to examine some of the issues in depth.… (más)

The subtitle is: Solving the Mystery of Why We Pay What We Do. This is nonfiction and consists of chapters such as “The Price of...” Things, Life, Happiness, Women, Work, Free, Culture, Faith, and Future.

Have to admit that it was interesting as I read it (most of it), but unfortunately, it’s already fading. I won’t remember it. The conclusion (most fresh in my mind) does refer to the 2008 financial crisis quite a bit, and hopes that people will have learned a few things. I do wonder what the author would write now, after things have shut down due to COVID, and are just now starting to reopen for the economy.… (más)

What’s The Point?

Written by a journalist and writer for the NY Times, Mr. Porter covers why things cost what they do, looking at the different perspectives of life, happiness, and work. How much does a person cost and how much does a happy life cost? Everything has a price tag and looking at where and how that price tag came to be as interesting.

How Was It?

While there is very broad coverage of topics, also including women, religion, and the future, a straight forward economics-based approach to the pricing of these topics was elucidating to me.

Who Should Read It?

Anyone looking to better understand their local economy, the price of a cup of coffee, and how much prices have an effect on your world.
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