The United States annually observes Hug An Economist Day on January 31. Obviously, the purpose of this day is to show your appreciation for economists, but we like to think it also encourages us to learn more about economics and how it affects our lives. Unfortunately, we do not know who started these celebrations or when they began. This may be an unofficial holiday for the time being, but we urge you to celebrate it officially and with enthusiasm! Check out these business scholarships if you are interested in obtaining a business degree and becoming an economist.
HISTORY OF HUG AN ECONOMIST DAY
Man has been attempting to understand how money (or currency, if you will) has shaped the world since ancient times. Ancient Greeks devoted considerable time to this topic, and the 15th and 16th centuries are rich in economics-related literature.
The 16th century saw the separation of economics from other disciplines, establishing it as a distinct field. Adam Smith, a Scottish philosopher, published a book just as Britain was about to lose much of its older empire. This book, “An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations,” was the basis for the then-new school of thought known as classical economics. Many economists devoted their time to determining how resources were allocated in the 21st century, which was characterised by new economic thought. Obviously, the profession was a pastime for leisurely gentlemen back then. Very few individuals chose this profession. Although economists wrote about economic policy, legislators rarely, if ever, consulted them on economic issues.
Even in terms of economics, the post-World War II world had a very different appearance. First, economic theory was beginning to be influenced by mathematics. Then, all empirical research studies became more complex, even incorporating statistical testing of economic forecasts.
In the 20th century, economics and economists had altered the global perception of wealth. The focus shifted to developing nations, and economic planning was developed to narrow the gap between rich and poor nations. This transformation ushered in a new era of thought. Today, the majority of governments, large agencies, and even commercial banks have their own group of economists to advise them, and these economists have a significant impact on multiple sectors. The future remains uncertain, but one thing is certain: economics will always be an indispensable field of study.
5 FUN FACTS ABOUT HUG AN ECONOMIST DAY
The Nobel Prize in Economics, unlike other Nobel Prizes, is awarded by the Swedish central bank and is formally known as the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel.
Elinor Ostrom, an American, was awarded the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel in 2009 for her pioneering work demonstrating that ordinary people can successfully create their own rules and institutions without central government regulation or privatisation.
Not only do politicians frequently consult economists when formulating economic policy, but many state officials also hold economics degrees.
Each year, approximately 130 colleges and universities in the United States confer over 800 new Ph.D.s in economics.
In a position paper for the International Monetary Fund, Nouriel Roubini predicted that the real estate bubble would burst, earning him the moniker “Dr. Doom.”
HUG AN ECONOMIST DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | January 31 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | January 31 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | January 31 | Friday |
| 2026 | January 31 | Saturday |
| 2027 | January 31 | Sunday |
