He explained the world – with economics

#193

My Dear Friend of Democracy,

Democracy requires understanding.

That is why I have studied and have loved (I still do) economics. With economics, you can explain the world (not only the economy).

And since I not only wanted to understand myself but to convey what I have understood to others, I have become a journalist.

Two people introduced me to journalism. One is my older sister, who became a journalist when I was a teenager.

The other was Nikolaus Piper.

As a student, I read the Süddeutsche Zeitung, or SZ for short, every day. Piper was the head of the economics department at the time. I read everything he wrote. I particularly liked his editorials. They made me believe that economics can be explained to anyone. Perhaps I learned more about relevant economic topics from him than from my economics studies.

At least I understood more.

And so he became my role model. I wanted to be like him. The best economics explainer.

I met Nikolaus Piper once. As is often the case with people who write, the picture you formed from reading only partially matches the real person. Piper's texts had self-confidence, the self-confidence of people who have understood something and who are aware of their ability to pass on what they have understood. The person I met was quiet, reserved, almost shy. That made Nikolaus Piper even more remarkable for me. He was calm and wise. I wanted to be like him all the more.

I would have loved to work in his economics department. It never happened. Among others because I didn't even dare to ask if I could send him my CV. Maybe I was protecting myself. I would never have been as good as he was.

Nikolaus Piper died a few days ago at the age of 72. He will remain my role model.

Because democracy needs explainers.

See you in Europe,

Johannes