You Will Not Stampede Me: Essays on Non-Conformism

Bryan Caplan, Professor of Economics at George Mason University, and New York Times Bestselling Author of Open Borders, The Myth of the Rational Voter, Selfish Reasons to Have More Kids, and The Case Against Education, blogged for EconLog from 2005-2022. His latest book combines the very best of his EconLog writings on non-conformism. You really will live a better life once you learn to question — and, if prudent, defy — popular opinion.<br/><br/>In the title essay, Caplan dissects the top mass hysterias he's experienced. The wars on terrorism, sexism, racism, disease, and war itself were all based on innumerate fear of the problems, combined with ferocious anger against naysayers. No wonder the "cures" were reliably worse than the crises. In a pinch, the people to trust are those who stay calm while others panic. Try to be one of them.<br/><br/>How, though, can non-conformists flourish in a conformist world? With careful strategy. When social sanctions are harsh, wise non-conformists reluctantly conform. Normally, however, they can safely keep their own council. Why? Because the majority is too emotional to competently crush crafty rebels.