Tim Harford
FollowThe latest interviews, podcast appearances, and blog posts from Tim Harford, updated daily.
Why the story of the Vegetable Lamb was believed
Of all the wonders witnessed by Sir John Mandeville, a 14th-century English knight, none was more astonishing than the “wondirfulle” fruit of a tree he encountered on his travels in India.
Cautionary Tales – Win a Kidney! The Great Donorshow Outrage
In the noughties, reality TV is in an arms race. Shows compete for viewers by one-upping each other with increasingly shocking and controversial formats.
Nudge or tax? At last, some data
It all seems very long ago, but there was a time when David Cameron was most famous for his enthusiasm for behavioural public policy, better known as “nudges”.
The Big Power of Small Annoyances
In a small black box, in a cupboard just out of reach of my desk, I keep one of my few treasured possessions: a set of Oblique Strategies cards, signed by their co-creator, the artist and musician…
Cautionary Tales – The She-Wolf of Wall Street Runs for President
Born into a poor, abusive household in 1838, Victoria Woodhull doesn’t have much hope of a comfortable life.
Cautionary Tales – Operation Eagle Claw: How America’s Best Soldier Was Perfect To A Fault
Chargin’ Charlie Beckwith is an American colonel who expects nothing less than perfection from his squad.