Esther Duflo: No Value in Beach
on Tuesday, October 15, 2019Esther Duflo Money Quote saying after she was asked what she reads when she goes to the beach following announcement of her win of the 2019 Nobel Prize in Economics. Esther Duflo said:
“I don’t go to the beach. There is no value in going to the beach. If I did go I would probably read economics books” — Esther Duflo
In this quote, Esther Duflo seems to be jokingly emphasizing her serious and studious nature when it comes to economics. When she says she doesn’t go to the beach because there’s “no value” in it, and that if she did she would read economics books, Duflo is likely not being entirely literal.
Her comments appear meant in good humor to convey that she finds intellectual pursuits like studying her field to be highly engaging and rewarding activities, even during leisure time. The quote suggests Duflo takes great enjoyment and fulfillment from advancing her knowledge of economics, to the point that she half-jokingly dismisses more recreational pastimes.
Overall, the tone seems to be one of playful self-deprecation about her intense focus and passion for her academic work and research.