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About this quote

What does it mean?
Hayek states he would have advised against creating a Nobel Prize in economics if asked. This implies he doubts its value or fit within the field.
In plain terms
He would have said no to an economics Nobel Prize if someone asked him.
What can you take from it?
Not all academic fields fit the same honor systems.

Where it applies

  • discussing academic honors
  • evaluating economic science

Putting it to work

  • questioning prize criteria
  • defining field boundaries

Questions to consider

  • What makes a field suitable for a Nobel Prize?
  • Should economics be treated like physics?

Another view

The statement lacks context on why he opposed it specifically.

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