Yes, the slow progress is sometimes maddening, and no, that does not mean that he loses his optimism. Economist Gabriel Zucman (1986) tied with his book The Hidden Wealth of Nations battling global inequality and shadowy tax structures. He finally arrived in the Netherlands, the center of international tax avoidance, where letterbox companies flourish.
Sometimes a small miracle happens to you as a journalist. You send an email, don’t expect a single answer, because the person in question is a busy scientist and economic prodigy, moreover, what time he will have for you and your employer – but then suddenly: pling. The answer – within an hour. Unfortunately, no, there is no interview, no time; after all, he lives on the American west coast – time difference is in the way, life, let’s keep in touch, maybe one day it will work. Different date then? Plingno Unfortunately. Teaching obligations at Berkley. But maybe next year?
All right, you halfheartedly think, against your better judgement—not least because the request sinks into your own brain, until it is finally forgotten.
Then suddenly, six years later. Pling.
Gabriel Zucman here, remember, six years ago? I will be in the Netherlands early next year. “If you still want that interview, I’d be happy to.”
What does it say about you that you send your email…