'The Old Social Classes and the Revolutionary Movement in Iraq,' by Hanna Batatu. Few may wish to take on this massive, obscure work, but it changed my life, and I love it. Adam Davidson batatuchangeclass Change image and share on social
The cardinal rule of taxation is that whatever you put a levy on, you'll inevitably get less of. Taxing corporate activity means less investing, less hiring, fewer jobs and a smaller economy, which hurts the rich, the poor and the middle class alike. Adam Davidson activityalikecardinal share on social
The idea of confidence, of the emotions of the population, is an incredibly important one in economics. John Maynard Keynes called it 'animal spirit.' And if people are feeling generally good about the future, they're more likely to spend money, to start new companies; companies are more likely to hire people, make investments. Adam Davidson animalcallcompany share on social
When you cover the economy as a reporter, there's one part of the job that is always easy: finding economists who disagree. Adam Davidson coverdisagreeeasy Change image and share on social
The economics profession advances by one confusing financial disaster at a time. Adam Davidson advanceconfusedisaster Change image and share on social
In poor countries, the rich and powerful crush the poor and powerless. Adam Davidson countrycrushpoor Change image and share on social
Holiday binge-buying has deep roots in American culture: department stores have been associating turkey gluttony with its spending equivalent since they began sponsoring Thanksgiving Day parades in the early 20th century. Adam Davidson 20thamericanassociate share on social
When you see a merger between two giants in a declining industry, it can look like the financial version of a couple having a baby to save a marriage. Adam Davidson babycoupledecline Change image and share on social
I don't think that much change comes from economists. I think it comes more from political realities. Probably the two giants of the 20th century, who actually did shift government policy in the U.S. and around the world, were John Maynard Keynes and Milton Friedman. I don't see anybody in our system who is at that level of influence. Adam Davidson 20thcenturychange share on social
One of the great political and economic challenges of our time is figuring out the balance between wealth that benefits society and wealth that distorts. Adam Davidson balancebenefitchallenge Change image and share on social