Hate the Game

Economic Cheat Codes for Life, Love, and Work

De: Daryl Fairweather

Narrado por: Daryl Fairweather

This is an audiobook version of this book.

The secret insights of economics, translated for the rest of us.

Should I buy or rent? Do I ask for a promotion? Should I tell people I’m pregnant? What salary do I deserve? Should I just quit this job? Common anxieties about life are often grounded in economics. In an increasingly win-lose society, these economic decisions—where to work, where to live, even how to live—have a way of feeling fixed and mistakes terminal.

Daryl Fairweather is no stranger to these dynamics. As the first Black woman to receive an economics PhD from the famed University of Chicago, she saw firsthand how concepts of behavioral economics and game theory were deployed in the real world—and in her own life—to great effect. Hate the Game combines Fairweather’s elite knowledge of these principles with her singular voice in describing how they can be harnessed. Her great talent, unique among economists, is her ability to articulate economic trends in a way that is not just informative, but also accounts for life’s other anxieties.

In Hate the Game, Fairweather fixes her expertise and service on navigating the earliest economic inflection points of adult life: whether to go to college and for how long; partnering, having kids, both, or neither; getting, keeping, and changing jobs; and where to live and how to pay for it. She speaks in actionable terms about what the economy means for individual people, especially those who have the sneaking suspicion they’re losing out. Set against her own experiences and enriched with lessons from history, science, and pop culture, Fairweather instructs listeners on how to use game theory and behavioral science to map out options and choose directions while offering listeners a sense of control and agency in an economy where those things are increasingly rare.

©2025 University of Chicago Press (P)2025 University of Chicago Press

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Fabulous—unlike any economics book I’ve ever read! Hate the Game is an edgy, in-your-face demonstration of the power of economic thinking. Fairweather takes the field of economics, strips away the fluff, and delivers only the parts that actually matter in the real world. It should be mandatory reading for anyone who cares about getting ahead in business—or in life.”—Steven Levitt, coauthor of Freakonomics

“For anyone who thinks they can’t relate to the world of economists, Hate the Game will change their minds. Fairweather shows you how to make your best moves—whether it’s negotiating a higher salary, getting that promotion, or buying your first home. She reveals how you can take control of your future by learning the rules of the game. This book takes your favorite movies and popular culture and uses them as metaphors that will inspire a new generation to become interested in economics. Get ready to embrace economic thinking to make smarter decisions!”—Angela Yee, host of “Way Up”

“Hate the Game offers practical strategies for the hardest competitive negotiations in our lives: those where we face bias and uncertainty. Fairweather shows that by applying just a few basic insights from economic theory, we can turn competition into cooperation—and perhaps even learn to love the game.”—Roger Myerson, winner of the Nobel Prize in economics

Helpful tips

Great advice for career and house buying with an engaging author narrator. Highly recommended!l

Real person

Great life story, author ends up getting what she wants after moving through life’s stages. Hoping many others will follow critical life moves.

A Game Changer for me!

I wish I had this book in my hands 10 years ago, but I'm glad that have it now! The author explains how many of our personal decisions about money, jobs, or even who we date or marry may have far-reaching economic consequences that we might not have been conscious of. Even the chapter titles — “Information is an Advantage,” “Workplace Conflict,” “Knowing Your Worth,” “Balancing a Career,” and “Optimizing Your Life” got me thinking. One part that really stood out for me was the first section, where she discussed how quitting-or even just the threat of quitting—can be a powerful strategy. That insight gave me a whole new way to think about negotiating, reminding me that I often hold the power to change a situation! In this increasingly uncertain world, “Hate the Game” provides strategies not just to survive but to thrive. I know I will keep going back to it as I reach critical points in my life and career.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Eye-Opening, Humbling, and Packed With Gems

There were so many small but powerful insights in this book, lessons I wish I had applied years ago. One of the biggest was strategy. I always thought I had one, but in hindsight, it wasn’t a great one. Another gem was knowing when to stop playing a game you’re unlikely to win. I stayed in environments far too long, burned myself out chasing stability and wealth, and watched less qualified people soar ahead simply because they fit the culture.

This book didn’t just teach economics, it taught me about myself, about systems, and about how to navigate both with more intention and clarity.

Hate the game; Loved the book!
Thank you, Dr. Fairweather.

Very relevant

She gives great advice especially to the younger generation about career progression, wealth building, and family planning.