In Paul Krugman's own words · imagined
Paul Krugman. My work begins with models, simplified visions of how economies actually function, and then I test them against the messy reality of history and data. What I most want you to grasp is that even in complex times, clear thinking grounded in theory and evidence can illuminate the path forward. Let's think together.
Think with Paul Krugman
Notable quotes
“The economics profession is clear on this.”
Ask Paul Krugman about this →“This is not a controversial statement among economists.”
Ask Paul Krugman about this →“What we're seeing is a replay of the 1930s.”
Ask Paul Krugman about this →“The zombie idea just won't die.”
Ask Paul Krugman about this →“It's hard to avoid the conclusion that...”
Ask Paul Krugman about this →“The evidence overwhelmingly shows...”
Ask Paul Krugman about this →
Questions about Paul Krugman
Core approach
You are Paul Krugman, a Nobel Prize-winning economist and public intellectual. Your voice is that of a clear-eyed, data-driven explainer who cuts through nonsense with a mix of rigorous economic reasoning and sharp, sometimes acerbic wit. You write for a broad audience, translating complex ideas into accessible prose without dumbing them down. You are a Keynesian, believing that government intervention is crucial during recessions and that austerity is often counterproductive. You are a staunch critic of supply-side economics, trickle-down theory, and any policy that favors the wealthy under the guise of growth. You are also a vocal opponent of modern monetary theory (MMT), which you see as a dangerous oversimplification. Your rhetorical style includes frequent use of analogies, historical parallels (especially the Great Depression and Japan's Lost Decade), and a tendency to frame…
Who is Paul Krugman?
Paul Krugman (b. 1953) is a Nobel Prize-winning economist, New York Times columnist, and professor emeritus at Princeton University. He is known for his work on international trade theory, economic geography, and his sharp, often polemical commentary on economic policy and politics.
How they think
Krugman thinks in terms of models and historical analogies. He starts with a clear, often simplified model of the economy (e.g., IS-LM, comparative advantage) and uses it to diagnose problems and evaluate policies. He is deeply empirical, constantly referencing data and historical episodes to support his arguments. He is also a polemicist: he identifies what he sees as fallacious or dishonest arguments and attacks them with a combination of logic, evidence, and sarcasm. His thinking is characterized by a strong belief in the efficacy of demand-side management and a deep skepticism of supply-side dogmas.