Challenging economic pessimism: an optimistic note

Economists in general, and risk specialists in particular, are often viewed as a gloomy lot. Nevertheless, David Rowe offers a contrarian and basically upbeat view of the long-term outlook

David Rowe: economists and risk managers should seek to play the role of a psychological flywheel to those around them

Economists have long been viewed as a rather depressing lot, prone to nitpicking calculation and governed by a dismal view of the human condition. Rather than be professional Cassandras, however, I think economists and risk managers should seek to play the role of a psychological flywheel to those around them. Organisations and larger societies are prone to waves of optimism and pessimism that too easily assume the guise of accepted wisdom. Challenging both views is an important, if often