“Many aphorisms and common expressions take on a different meaning when seen through the lens of economics. One of my favorites is: ‘If we can put a man on the moon, why can’t we …’ followed by some earthly concern that needs to be addressed. What that expression seems to miss is the idea of opportunity cost: Perhaps the reason we can’t solve the particular earthy problem is precisely because we sent a man to the moon.” (03/18/10)