The Secret of the Pyramid

Author: Xiong Bingyuan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-10-01
Features: There are many unkind remarks and expectations about the role of economics. In the early 20th century, Sir Robinson of England once said, "Economists are like dogs. Whenever they see that the handling of public affairs unnecessarily increases the conflict between public and private interests, they have a duty to bark loudly and issue a warning. Whenever they see that the direction of things will keep this conflict within a tolerable limit, they also have a duty to wag their tails and express approval." I have some insights: Whether in natural sciences or social sciences, every discipline is like a small pyramid. Political science is a pyramid, and economics is too; physics is a pyramid, and mathematics is as well. At the base of each pyramid are the various problems within the discipline. Above the base are the main theories for analyzing and addressing these problems. Above the theories are more abstract theories. And at the top of each pyramid is the most important, most reflective of the discipline's spirit, and most overarching core concept.