On economists

...[E]conomists make an invaluable contribution to society. Which is? To make themselves unpopular by pointing out uncomfortable truths...

This article is pretty close to Mankiw's ten principles of economics, out of which the top 4 ought to be driven home for everybody: tradeoff, opportunity cost, marginal and incentive. I'd bet that our world would be a better place if everyone really internalizes these four principles, at least we will have a lot less ignorant voters and pandering politicians. I am aware, however, that I might be asking for something not quite realistic: in essence I assume people are always making rational decisions. Apparently they are not based on my previous post.