Some of the topics covered include -
- Global warming ( but ofcourse !! :) ) - Some unconventional methods to reverse the warming.
- On People - If we are by nature altruistic or selfish
- How to catch a terrorist using data mining techniques ; one of the variables is life insurance
- Prostitution - many areas in this topic
- Drunken driving vs Drunken walking
- Doctors washing their hands ( and yes most don't seem to !!! )
- How safe are car seats vs seat Belts for kids and so on ....
There is a vast amount of diverse information packed in a good narrative style. It is more like a fiction book with non-fiction data ! :)
But I must admit the section on being a female in India made me cringe - not that what is written is not the truth because it unfortunately is and the arrow strikes too close to home.
I do not think this book has the impact of their first book "Freakonomics" or perhaps the "freak" of the first book - they seem to have lost some punch and are unconvincing in some of their arguments.
Also some insights seem more common knowledge than something that challenges preconceptions. Like the information on women dying during childbirth due to doctors not washing their hands. Or even people needing incentives to be more altruistic ( may be a cynical knowledge ! :) ).
