The Price of Everything

The Price of Everything

The Cost of Birth, the Price of Death, and the Value of Everything in between

Summary

Why is a life saved from a terrorist attack felt to be worth two saved from a natural disaster? Why are men more valuable than women? Why do Americans tip when Europeans don't? And how can orange juice be used to predict the weather?

The Price of Everything starts with a simple idea: behind every decision we make lies a price, whether that's buying a cup of coffee, taking a new job, or deciding to become a parent. Prices are the invisible thread that connect and explain our society, our economy, our culture, our mistakes and our successes. Revealing connections that are ingenious and unexpected, Eduardo Porter shows just how fundamental the price of things, work, happiness, faith, family and the future are - both to our everyday behaviour and to civilisation as we know it.

Reviews

  • TIM HARFORD: Porter's book is an enthralling look at the prices we put, consciously and unconsciously, on everything from a gallon of gas to a spare kidney. Everyone could learn something from this wise and clever book. I did.'
    Tim Harford author of The Undercover Economist

About the author

Eduardo Porter

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