We Commonly Assume Things About Value That Are Not True: Examples from Pro Football, Finances, and Impact of Environment on Children

Michael Lewis is one of my favorite authors. He wrote the book, Moneyball, which challenged commonly accepted facts about how to value baseball players. His new book, Blind Side, exams three things: the worth of a great left tackle in professional football, race relations, and the impact of environment on the personal development of the young. I have only read the review and am not sure how he feels about the value of a great left tackle but am quite certain he says the value of environment is underrated.

You can read the review of this book here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20061002/lf_nm/arts_lewis_dc_1

The basic theme in the books of Michael Lewis is that there is a common perception concerning the value of something and it is often wrong. His books have changed strategy in professional baseball (Money Ball) and affected the financial world through books on the bond market and wealth creation. Everything he writes is thought provoking and excellent. That is, if you don’t mind having some strongly held assumptions shattered.

I always need God to shape my assumptions about the value of others and of my time.  How I need to "make the most of the time" God has given and to invest myself in helping others know God.  This evening's Bible study with the men's group is an attempt to help us consider how do we determine what is of value and how do we know that our conclusions are correct.

Trey 

Comments

[Tracy M]

I read the book Moneyball and enjoyed it very much. It made me think about the basic assumptions which we make on all sorts of things not related to baseball. Lewis encourages us to examine the data on what is really effective and to challenge conventional wisdom. I hadn't heard about his new book 'Blind Side' but I plan to read it too. Thanks for making me aware of it.