What books do Harvard economics students read?
Common Books Read by Harvard Economics Students
Harvard economics students typically engage with a diverse selection of books that cover foundational economic theories, contemporary issues, and interdisciplinary approaches. Some of the most influential and commonly read books include:
- "Principles of Economics" by N. Gregory Mankiw – A widely used textbook that provides a comprehensive introduction to microeconomics and macroeconomics principles.
- "Freakonomics" by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner – Explores the hidden side of everything through economic analysis, making complex ideas accessible and engaging.
- "Capital in the Twenty-First Century" by Thomas Piketty – Analyzes income inequality and wealth concentration, stimulating discussions on economic policy and social justice.
- "The Wealth of Nations" by Adam Smith – A classic foundational text that discusses the nature of economic systems and the division of labor.
- "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman – Examines cognitive biases and decision-making processes, relevant to behavioral economics.
- "Development as Freedom" by Amartya Sen – Focuses on the link between economic development and human rights.
- "The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money" by John Maynard Keynes – A seminal work on macroeconomic theory and policy.
In addition to textbooks and classic texts, students often read recent academic papers, policy reports, and interdisciplinary works that reflect current debates and research in economics.