15 questions with Joel Mokyr, Nobel laureate

For Prof. Joel Mokyr, the life of a Nobel Prize winner remains grounded in the everyday: reading the morning news, engaging in riveting conversations with students, listening to classical music in his office and cooking dinner for his wife. Even after winning the 2025 Nobel Prize in Economics, Mokyr said he still cherishes his routine above the global recognition. At Northwestern University, Mokyr is the Robert H. Strotz Professor of Arts and Sciences and professor of economics and history in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. He currently serves as a co-editor of a book series. The Princeton University Press Economic History of the World published his latest book, “Two Paths to Prosperity: Culture and Institutions in Europe and China, 1000–2000,” earlier this month. Mokyr sat down with The Daily to talk about his interests outside of economic history, including his favorite books and films, morning routine and advice for undergraduate students.