Olivia Barr, Introduction, Question 6

 "Economics presents us with a powerful, and not necessarily complex, set of analytical tools that can be used to look back and explain why things unfolded the way they did; to look around and make sense of the world; and to look forward so that we can anticipate the effects of major policy changes. Economics is like gravity: Ignore it and you will be in for some rude surprises" (Wheelan xxii.) I found this passage to be interesting because it explains a few of the ways in which an understanding of economics changes ones perspective and understanding of the worlds economic situation. Additionally it shows that with an understanding of economics comes an understanding of the conditions of ones own past, present, and future, which allows people to have a better understanding of economic policy, intern people who understand economics can make more informed decisions when voting in elections. All in all an understanding of economics opens the door for people to be more contributing members of society. Another passage that I found to be noteworthy is as follows: "We humans underestimate some risks (obesity) and overestimate others (flying); we let emotion cloud our judgments; we overreact to both good news and bad news (rising home prices and then falling home prices)" (Wheelan xxiv.) This passage struck me because the author highlights the disconcerting truth that humans occupy themselves with the wrong risks, and often live in ignorance of the underlying risks in things that seem appealing, yet abruptly prove to be quite damaging (ex: the housing bubble that burst.)