What I think of as 'freakonomics' is mostly storytelling around an idea - not a theme but an idea. I like ideas much more than themes. Themes are boring. Themes are, 'Wool is back,' but ideas are, 'Why is wool back?'
This quote emphasizes the power of ideas over themes in storytelling and analysis. Focusing on the 'why' behind patterns or trends sparks curiosity and deeper understanding. Rather than simply noting that something is happening, probing the reasons behind it opens pathways to insight and innovation. This perspective encourages us to challenge surface narratives and seek the underlying causes or motivations, making discussions richer and more impactful. It’s a reminder that compelling storytelling often hinges on uncovering the core ideas that drive phenomena, rather than just labeling or categorizing them.
