
Kevin Corcoran, an economist known for exploring the comparison between two economists, proposes a noteworthy perspective on recognizing potential opportunities in the market. In one instance, an economist spots a $20 bill during a walk, but his peer dismisses it, assuming it’s not real or it would’ve already been picked up.
This anecdote underscores valuable lessons in seizing opportunities that present themselves. Corcoran highlights that adopting the first economist’s approach of utilizing the opportunity can lead to gains, unlike the approach of the second economist, who reveals skepticism that overlooks potential profits.
In this light, Corcoran tackles a prevalent intellectual bias, assuming unique ideas indicate their value and uniqueness to us alone. Ironically, the objective measure of an idea’s value isn’t its novelty but rather its prior adoption and development by others.
Corcoran emphasizes that successful ventures rely on unique ideas accompanied by self-assessment, proper evaluation, and execution. The key to business success isn’t inherently a groundbreaking idea, but the combination of a unique idea, unwavering willpower, and detailed planning can avert common business pitfalls.
He also portrays economists as resistant to change, assuming it would have been discovered if a more efficient method existed. Efficiency in an economy doesn’t equate to effectiveness, an idea often overlooked.