ABSTRACT
Two academic economists meet on the plane headed for the mammoth annual meeting of the American Economics Association. The usual chitchat ensues. “So where do you teach?” “At [prestigious American east-coast university].” “How is it over there?” “Pretty good. There are a couple of people I can talk to.” “You’re lucky. I don’t have that,” the other responds, seizing the occasion to launch into an exposé of his research. Something about a game-theoretic set-up. His fellow economist listens politely, nods a few times, but says little in response. This, clearly, is not a guy he can talk to. As the conversation languishes, they are drawn back into their reading.
