A few years back, Steven Levitt, co-author of the bestselling Freakonomics, sat down for a captivating interview with the late Nobel Prize-winning economist Robert Solow, just months before his passing in December 2023. At the remarkable age of 98, Solow delivered a masterclass in economic thought, personal reflection, and intellectual humility in this episode of the "People I (Mostly) Admire" podcast. I recently revisited the conversation, and it's packed with gems that resonate even more today amid ongoing debates about growth, inequality, and the human side of economics.
Solow, whose groundbreaking work on economic growth models earned him the Nobel in 1987, shaped how we understand productivity and technological progress. In the interview, he shares his candid views on the current state of academic economics, lamenting how the field has sometimes veered too far into abstract mathematical modeling at the expense of real-world applicability.
He contrasts this with his own pragmatic approach, honed during his service in World War II intelligence. Solow recounts his time intercepting and decoding German communications in Italy, emphasizing how those experiences taught him to prioritize practical problem-solving over theoretical elegance. "I was always more interested in what works in the real world," he might say, underscoring a lesson that's timeless for economists today.
One of the standout moments is Solow's ability to demystify complex ideas. He explains how capitalism could theoretically thrive in a "stationary state"—a scenario without expanding production, population growth, or heavy resource consumption.
Drawing from John Stuart Mill's 19th-century writings, Solow argues that innovation and efficiency could sustain prosperity even in a zero-growth environment, challenging the relentless pursuit of GDP expansion that dominates modern policy. This perspective feels particularly relevant in 2026, as discussions around sustainable development and climate change intensify.
Solow's personal backstory adds depth to his philosophy. Growing up during the Great Depression of the 1930s, he vividly recalls the fear and uncertainty that gripped his working-class parents.
This formative experience instilled in him a profound empathy for the average person, teaching him that economic security and stability often matter more than market efficiencies. "People aren't just cogs in a machine," Solow reflects; they're living beings who need to feel protected from life's volatilities. In an era of rising inequality and gig economy precarity, his words serve as a poignant reminder that economics should prioritize human well-being over abstract gains.
What truly sets this interview apart, though, is Solow's style of engagement. At nearly a century old, he approaches each question with meticulous care—assessing its nuances, breaking it down methodically, and offering insightful responses while openly acknowledging the limits of his knowledge.
There's a genuine humility here that's rare in public discourse. Contrast this with today's policymakers and economists, whose statements often drip with self-promotion and agenda-pushing vanity. Solow's measured, ego-free wisdom is a breath of fresh air.
If you haven't listened yet, do yourself a favor and tune in. Solow wasn't just a brilliant mind; he was a model of intellectual grace. In a world hungry for authentic voices, this 98-year-old's reflections remind us what true economic wisdom looks like. Solow was exceptional — may his legacy continue to inspire.
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