My clinical psychologist wife of 40 years has always had a close intellectual influence on me. When I was beginning to talk openly in the economics profession about irrationality in decision-making, I received a lot of criticism. Ginny would support my views and remind me that a whole other profession - psychology - studies people's irrational sides.
Robert J. ShillerMarketers know that if people you respect - perhaps laughably including entertainers and athletes - say they like a product, you're more likely to buy.
Robert J. ShillerThere is more uncertainty than usual about job futures because computers are replacing more and more human intelligence, and globalization is proceeding at an accelerating pace.
Robert J. ShillerLiberalism downplays certain of our moral senses: loyalty, authority, and sanctity.
Robert J. ShillerThe ability to focus attention on important things is a defining characteristic of intelligence.
Robert J. ShillerAs I write in 2012 we certainly do not believe that it is over yet, and the worst may be yet to come. Efforts by governments to solve the underlying problems responsible for the crisis have still not gotten very far, and the 'stress tests' that governments have used to encourage optimism about our financial institutions were of questionable thoroughness.
Robert J. Shiller