Richard Gunderman on Greed, Adam Smith, and Leo Tolstoy -...

What this episode covers

Physician and careful reader Richard Gunderman of Indiana University talks with EconTalk host Russ Roberts about how Adam Smith and Leo Tolstoy looked at greed. Drawing on Tolstoy's short story, "Master and Man," and adding some Thomas Hobbes along the way, Gunderman argues that a life well-lived requires us to rise above our lower desires. Join Gunderman and Roberts for a sleigh ride into a snowy blizzard, where you won't find your way by following rules, but rather by recognizing what needs to be seen.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of EconTalk?

This episode is 1 hour and 5 minutes long.

When was this EconTalk episode published?

This episode was published on April 4, 2022.

What is this episode about?

Physician and careful reader Richard Gunderman of Indiana University talks with EconTalk host Russ Roberts about how Adam Smith and Leo Tolstoy looked at greed. Drawing on Tolstoy's short story, "Master and Man," and adding some Thomas Hobbes along...

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