I had some nice discussions with fellow PMs about books that have influenced them. I though that it would make a nice series of postings.

First of, Freakonomics by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner. I actually read this book last year on the Transsiberia-Express, but that is irrelevant. Relevant is that Levitt is an economics professor that uses statistics to attack everyday "common wisdoms". In the first part he explains that crime didn't drop in the US because of stronger punishments or gun laws, but by the legalization of abortion. Although one can argue about the validity of his findings and reasoning, you have to admit that the guy creates one intriguing book. It is exactly this aspect that influenced me: ask good questions, and provide against common wisdom answers. It is a technique that creates amazing reading material, and stimulates the brain of the reader.

Some of his other questions in [TAG-TEC]Freakonomics[/TAG-TEC]:

- which is more dangerous, a gun of a swimming pool?
- Why do drug dealers still live with their moms?
- How much do parents really matter?

I am definitely going to give this a try for my next book…