How Isaac Asimov's 'Foundation' helped set two economists on their career path : The Indicator from Planet Money When we talk about classic economic texts, you might think of something like Adam Smith's "The Wealth of Nations." But how about the Foundation series by Isaac Asimov? One of the big ideas at the heart of this science fiction saga is that math can predict and shape the future. We hear from two economists who tell us how the ideas in Foundation helped set them on their career path.

Related episodes:
The carbon coin: A novel idea
Beach reads for econ nerds

For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.

How Asimov's 'Foundation' has inspired economists

How Asimov's 'Foundation' has inspired economists

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Mario Suriani/Associated Press
Author Isaac Asimov autographs books at the Mysterious Book Store stall on February 2, 1984 during the Fifth Avenue Book Fair held in New York City, United States. The 64-year-old science fiction writer will publish his 300th book in 1984. (AP Photo/Mario Suriani)
Mario Suriani/Associated Press

When we talk about classic economic texts, you might think of something like Adam Smith's "The Wealth of Nations." But how about the Foundation series by Isaac Asimov?

One of the big ideas at the heart of this science fiction saga is that math can predict and shape the future. We hear from two economists who tell us how the ideas in Foundation helped set them on their career path.

Related episodes:
The carbon coin: A novel idea
Beach reads for econ nerds

For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.

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