Thinking Inside the Box (with David Epstein)

Thinking Inside the Box (with David Epstein)

From EconTalk by Russ Roberts

May 11, 2026 · 1h 11m · Episode 1049

About this episode

David Epstein joins Russ Roberts to discuss how boundaries can enhance creativity and productivity.

What do the inventor of the periodic table, the novelist Isabel Allende, and the almost-creators of the iPhone have in common? Join author David Epstein and EconTalk's Russ Roberts to explore a counterintuitive idea: that boundaries, and not unlimited freedom, often make us more creative, productive, and fulfilled.

People in this episode

Host: Russ Roberts

Guest: David Epstein

Topics covered

  • creativity
  • boundaries
  • productivity
  • fulfillment
  • innovation

Keywords

  • creativity
  • boundaries
  • David Epstein
  • Russ Roberts
  • innovation
  • productivity
  • fulfillment

Mentioned in this episode

Products: iPhone

Books & works: periodic table

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