Master and Man

Today on Econtalk, a physician and an economist discuss Tolstoy.  That seems a strange topic for a podcast called Econtalk, but it proves entertaining.  In 1895, Tolstoy wrote the short story Master and Man.  It tells the tale of Vasili Brekhunov and his peasant, Nikita, who set out in a blizzard to purchase a forest.  Vasili is a well-to-do landowner, who has dramatically expanded the family holdings since his father's time.  He is a tough negotiator, who uses tricks and schemes to make sure he gains the best deal.  From his thoughts, he is a fair man and a benefactor to his peasants.  From Nikita's thoughts, Vasili uses his position to cheat peasants like him.  During the trip through the blizzard, the pair repeatedly get lost and find themselves in the wrong village.  Despite offers that they spend the night, Vasili is single-minded in his determination to beat any competitors to purchase a valuable forest.  It is not until they are hopelessly lost that he reconsiders his quest for profit.

Russ Roberts, host of Econtalk, and Richard Gunderman, MD, PhD, Professor at Indiana University, discuss the story from the perspective of both Adam Smith and Thomas Hobbes.  Yes, this is one of those academic discussions.  The pair dissect the story and consider the motives of the main characters, what Tolstoy is trying to say.  There is also the question of what Adam Smith would think, more from the perspective of his Theory of Moral Sentiments than his Wealth of Nations.  Roberts finds commonality between Hobbes and Smith's views in this situation while Gunderman looks to Hobbes as saying man must be protected from the brutality of man vs. Smith seeing men working in self-interest, but also working cooperatively.

Both held the story in high regard, though I found it less impressive.  As a parable, it is passable.  However, it was hard to overlook Vasili's blindness to the dangers he faced.  After twice getting lost in the blizzard, he set out again as it was growing dark.  The previous two efforts, he had lost his way on account of not being able to see the markers, buried by the snow.  How did such a fool survive this long?  However, Nikita is a wonderful character, the fatalistic but good-natured Russian.

Not the best EconTalk, but certainly worth a listen.  Of course, definitely read the short story first.  It is available for free here.