One of America’s most respected economists presents a quirky, incisive romp through everyday life that reveals how you can turn economic reasoning to your advantage, often when you least expect it to be relevant.

Tyler Cowen shows how economic notions, such as incentives, signals, and markets, apply far more widely than just to the decisions of social planners, governments, and big business. Economic theory has something to say about ordering from a menu. Are you trying to attract the right mate? Do you mean controlling people who talk too much in meetings? Are you dealing with your dentist? In chapters such as How to Control the World, The basics and How to Control the World, Knowing When to Stop, the author shows the hidden economic patterns behind everyday situations so you can get more of what you really want.

Readers will learn more about how to be a good partner, neighbor and even citizen of the world. What is the best way to give to charity? The title of the chapter, How to Save the World — More Christmas Presents Won’t Help, makes a point that is personal as well as global.

Incentives don’t just come in cash, they are at the core of an economic approach to the world. Money can be a deterrent. It doesn’t work to pay your kids to do the dishes. Making sure family members know they will be looked up to can work. Another non-monetary incentive? If you don’t want anyone to be in the meeting, try having everyone stand up. Even though they operate alongside more mundane rewards such as money and free food, deeply felt incentives like pride in one’s work or a passing smile from a loved one can be the most powerful of all.

You can discover your inner economist. The science of economics is built on ideas that are already within us. While the implications of those ideas lead to counterintuitive advice, their wisdom is presented in ordinary examples taken from home life, work life, and even vacation life.

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