Nasar's 16-page chapter on Nash's selection was the result of countless calls to members of the selection committee and the Academy, several of whom requested anonymity in the book. It's five days of living like a king. Now six years after receiving the Prize in Economics, North said his life has never been more chaotic, as he still receives 10 to 15 speaking invitations a week from around the world. Lucas agreed that receiving the award comes with its own magical mystery tour. The prize took over my life entirely for about six months.
Most economists profess to have no concern over whether they win the Economics Prize.
Simon said economists are more worried about leaving their mark on the world than filling the trophy case. Mere awards could hardly enhance the legendary status of John Keynes or Adam Smith, Simon pointed out. The Nobel does not certify scientists to their scientific communities. It certifies them to the wider public. But it is not uncommon for that detachment to erode once candidates make the selection committee's short-list.