The clocks change at the end of March, but as I referenced the concept of time last month, I have a different focus for this newsletter.
I am going to mention two Nobel Prize for Economics winners.
Whilst acknowledging the incredible success of Nobel prize laureates, I want to add balance with wisdom from Padraig O’Morain.
As nature is starting it’s Spring flourish, Padraig reminds us that for all its wonderfulness, nature is not striving to be a Nobel prize winner.
“Trees, shrubbery, flowers and other plants are not worrying about improving themselves today. A garden is never perfect no matter how much you work on it. So you have to be willing to sit and enjoy your imperfect garden. You can bring this attitude to yourself also.”
Happy Easter 🐰🐣
Claudia Goldin was the first solo female recipient and only one of three women in total who have won the Nobel Prize for Economics. That prize has been awarded to 90 men.
She won in 2023 and I mention her as we celebrated International Women’s Day on the 8th March. Her research relates to the role of females in the labour market.
Claudia was born in the Bronx in New York to a middle class family. Initially she intended studying microbiology at university but an inspiring teacher led to her to economics instead.
Her contribution to the field is very significant for women, especially those in the workforce. She looks at the challenges that face female graduates when it comes to advancing their careers whilst also managing the challenges of being a care-giver in family life.
Seeing her work recognised is an important step towards increasing equality and inclusion.
Daniel Kahneman died this week. He was 90 years old and most well known for his work in Behavioural Economics. He was one of 2 recipients of the Nobel Prize for Economics in 2002.
“Thinking Fast and Slow” is his most famous book. Daniel sets out many examples based on his research that demonstrate how humans tend not to make rational decisions. The book is not an easy or quick read but it’s certainly informative if you’re interested in the overlap between psychology and economics.
“Men are able to have a family and step up because women step back from their careers to provide more time for the family, but both are deprived. Men forgo time with the family, and women forgo career.” — Claudia Goldin
“Nothing is as important as we think it is while we are thinking about it.” — Daniel Kahneman
“What matters in life is not what happens to you but what you remember and how you remember it.” – Gabriel García Márquez Nobel Prize for Literature 1982
Sinead Huskisson 