Paul Krugman is a giant geek, part 2
JIM LEHRER: When and why did you decide to become an economist in the first place?
PAUL KRUGMAN: Oh, that's a little embarrassing. I was -- I don't know how many of your viewers watch science fiction, read science fiction, but this very old series by Isaac Asimov, the "Foundation" novels, in which the social scientists who understand the true dynamics save civilization.
Interview with Jim Lehrer, 10/13/08
(And whatever I think of his current politics, I'd guess that Asimov and he would be in pretty much general agreement.)