Ian McEwan the game theorist

Ian McEwan is one of my favorite novelists, and when I picked up a copy of his Enduring Love in Heathrow on a recent transatlantic flight, I thought at first it was a new book. It turns out that it was published in 1997, with a film version in 2004. It is a beautiful book. I don't know if McEwan knows much about or is into game theory, but the book's first chapter is as vivid and enthralling a description of multi-player positive-sum games as you will ever encounter.

The setting is a picnic which the author and his girlfriend are about to enjoy, when the two of them witness a freak accident.  It is a windy day and a hot-air balloon has gone out of control. The pilot has lost his footing and is being dragged along by the moving balloon, which contains a 10-year old boy in its basket.  The author and four other bystanders are nearby, and they all run towards the balloon to help stabilize the balloon and save the child.  The trouble is that by this time the balloon has moved close to the edge of a slope. If they cannot bring the balloon to ground, it will be all that difficult to hold on to it.

Ian McEwan describes with great precision a sequence of two games. The first is a coordination game. When the five strangers reach the balloon, which is edging dangerously towards the slope, they need to quickly decide what to do. They can try to reach inside the balloon to get the child out. They can try to pull the balloon down and anchor it. They can push it away from the slope. But in the panic of the moment, there is no time to settle on any one of the strategies and confusion reigns. The pilot is screaming instructions, but no-one can make out what he is saying. "There may have been a vague commonality of purpose, but we were never a team...  No one was in charge -- or everyone was... Any leader, any firm plan would have been preferable to none"  McEwan's character recalls.  

Before the group is able to bring the balloon firmly to ground and fetch the child out, (mother) nature makes its move. A sudden gust of wind lifts the balloon up in the air and knocks down one of the rescuers (the heaviest among them). Now there is four of them hanging on to the ropes of the balloon, which is a few feet up in the air and moving in the direction of the slope.  If they all hold on, there is a good chance they will be able to bring the balloon down when the wind subsides. But each of the strangers realizes that the ground beneath them is receding the longer they hang on to the rope. "Every fraction of a second that passed increased the drop, and the point must come when to let go would be impossible of fatal....  I didn't know, nor have I ever discovered, who let go first. I'm not prepared to accept that it was me." It is a classic prisoner's dilemma. Except that one of the rescuers does hang on. Without the weight of the others, the balloon keeps rising, and the man eventually has to release his grip and falls to his death.

You have to read the book (or at least the first chapter) to fully appreciate McEwan's masterful portrayal of the strategic and ethical issues raised by these coordination and prisoner's dilemma games. The film version compresses the sequence of events, so does not do full justice to it (when did a movie ever do justice to a good book?).  You can watch a clip of the balloon sequence at YouTube (unless that is you are in Turkey, where you cannot access YouTube (unless that is you have an iPhone and a wireless connection)).  Search under "Amor perdurable."

PS. Gametheory.net has a description of the prisoner's dilemma scene, but not of the coordination game.

Comments

[Steve Laniel]

In re the difficulty of making a great movie out of a great book: see Hitchcock's thoughts on why he never adapted "Crime and Punishment" -- a book which would seem to be perfect Hitchcock material:
http://laniels.org/weblog/2002/09/07/hitchcock-on-tolkien-sorta/

[michael webster]

You might also like Elmore Leonard's excellent description of a real prisoner's dilemma game, in the last chapters of Swag, its earlier title was "Ryan's Rules"

Leonard describes the dynamics of mistrust that ensues when a bank robbery goes wrong and one of the gang is charged.

Very insightful - especially as clear counter-example to common knowledge.

I have two short pieces on the book.

http://www.bizop.ca/blog2/how-would-you-play-that/how-to-rob-a-store-and-get-awa.html

http://www.bizop.ca/blog2/how-would-you-play-that/how-to-cheat-your-partners-and.html

[Nikrooz Nasr]

Dear Prof. Rodrik
Would you mind give your opinion about "A Guide to What's Wrong with Economics".

http://www.amazon.com/Guide-Whats-Economics-Anthem-Finance/dp/1843311488

[Piotr]

I haven't read the book, but the clip is powerful and tragic. I don't see though where game theory fits in, since it appears the balloon would have risen even if all the rescuers had held on. Maybe the scene in the book is different?

[Omair]

Not sure if you're into kids' books, but both the book and movie versions of Holes are really good.

[kevin quinn]

It's not clear to me that the second game isn't another coordination game. I want to hold on if I think others will, and to let go if I think others will also.

[Orlando Gaviria-Cadavid]

I am really grateful that another person saw some economic theory behind the story, just as I did. I would also add that the selfish character of the human being plays a role in this episode; some of them wanted to survive, but the person who did not let go was perhaps even more selfish and thought that his regrets would have lowered his quality of life.

[rolex watches]

This is clearly replica watches the job for our legal fraternity to engage the establishment to necessary breitling watches steps by filing petitions in various courts. IF one fails another should be cartier watches filed taking every one to task. It is rolex watches useless to suggest ways and means to solve tag heuer watches the day to day problem to well paid employees tissot watches of government controlled establishments. Only active omega watches judiciary will resolve this problem.
http://www.watchvisa.com
http://www.watchvisa.com/breitling-watches.html
http://www.watchvisa.com/cartier-watches.html

[rado watches]

Why is everyone just montblanc watches willing to accept power cuts? Don't you think that patek philippe watches having continious power is your right? If people aren't going to demand rado watches 24X7 power, don't expect anything zenith watches to change. The government needs to look at other sources parmigiani watches of power generation. The only solution is more power panerai watches production. Nothing less.
http://www.watchvisa.com/montblanc-watches.html
http://www.watchvisa.com/patek_philippe-watches.html
http://www.watchvisa.com/rado-watches.html
http://www.watchvisa.com/tudor-watches.html

[bvlgari watches]

They should take up building BVLGARI Watches dams for power generation. We should FRANCK MULLER watches learn from china. They have the world's largest dam for power CHANEL Watches production, it alone produces 22,000 MW of LONGINES Watch power. So, unless the government opens up the economy more for iwc watches foreign investors, this power cut problem is a life long disease every hublot-watches india will need to face.
http://www.watchvisa.com/bvlgari-watches.html
http://www.watchvisa.com/chanel-watches.html
http://www.watchvisa.com/franck_muller-watches.html

[rolex watches]

People usually say :"Seeing is believing." http://www.tt88times.com
Each attempt has a corresponding gain, in part or obvious, or vague. At least we have the kind of satisfaction After I bought this watch ,in a sense,it means a great deal to me. http://www.fashionhairfu.com

[viagra no prescription]

The ESRB provides ratings of game content so that you can determine if
these indeed are appropriate for your kids. Here are the ratings for
the games you mentioned and the themes found in the material that
maybe of concern to parents.

[ghd straighteners]

GHD straighteners was kmown as ghd flat iron, which was authorized online seller provides all kinds of hair straighteners,pink ghd,purple ghd,babyliss. By visiting ghd australia , you will find what you want and made yourself more beautiful.If you miss it ,you miss beauty.Buy a piece of ghd for yourself.Come and join us http://www.ghdoutlet-au.com/ to win the ghd iv styler.

[birkenstock]

Birkenstock was Made in Germany since 1774 . Check out our Birkenstock sandals and Birkenstock shoes including the Birkenstock gizeh,at the lowest regular outlet prices, free shipping and when you put on Birkenstocks. you will feel very comfortable.

[Nike Air Jordan]

The good news, thank you!

[bridesmaid dresses]

The good news, thank you!

[Moncler]

It's not clear to me that the second game isn't another coordination game. I want to hold on if I think others will, and to let go if I think others will also.

[ghdstraighteners-au]

Looking a hair straightener for men,ghd iv styler mini is designed especially for men with shorter styles. It is perfect for spiking, creating tight curls and straightening shorter lengths of hair.
http://www.ghdstraighteners-au.com/
ghd iv styler

[lachou]

I like these articles , democratic countries formulate policies are both team and the interests of the people of power, but the undemocratic countries rarely for the interests of the people, http://www.jerseysky.com it is the sorrow of many democracy, I like the western and northern state policy.
http://www.cheapsaleing.com
http://www.nikeairmaxshoe.ocm

[lv store]

I like these articles , democratic countries formulate policies are both team and the interests of the people of power, but the undemocratic countries rarely for the interests of the people, http://www.jerseysky.com it is the sorrow of many democracy, I like the western and northern state policy.
http://www.cheapsaleing.com
http://www.nikeairmaxshoe.ocm

[lv store]

I like these articles , democratic countries formulate policies are both team and the interests of the people of power, but the undemocratic countries rarely for the interests of the people,
http://www.louisvuitton4love.com/
http://www.toplvstore.com/

[Moncler]

I am a senior student, I Love your blog as i love study english, I learn much from this post, i ths very much.

[Creative Recreation]

So nice to study your perfect weblog on the spare time. Your write-up brings me different type of feeling about the literature.

[jordan shoes]

I am happy to find this post very useful for me, as it contains lot of information. I always prefer to read the quality content and this thing I found in you post. Thanks for sharing.

[cheap jordans]

Thanks a lot for sharing. You have done a brilliant job. Your article is truly relevant to my study at this moment, and I am really happy I discovered your website. However, I would like to see more details about this topic. I'm going to keep coming back here.

[jordan shoes]

I’ve seen progression in every post. Your newer posts are simply wonderful compared to your posts in the past. Keep up the good work!

[jordan shoes]

This is a wonderful site. The things mentioned are unanimous and needs to be appreciated by everyone.

[jordan shoes]

This is a wonderful site. The things mentioned are unanimous and needs to be appreciated by everyone.

[jordan shoes]

This is a wonderful site. The things mentioned are unanimous and needs to be appreciated by everyone.

[Moncler]

The web of losses that you describe in NC are offset by a web of gains in Boston. Restrict trade, and I pay more for my socks, do not eat dinner in Boston, and the web of losses you described in NC happens in Boston

[abercrombie]

It's not clear to me that the second game isn't another coordination game. I want to hold on if I think others will, and to let go if I think others will also.

[VRS]

However, I would like to see more details about this topic. I'm going to keep coming back here.

[pandora-bracelets-australia]

I really enjoyed this too!

[Account Deleted]

Have you ever tried to write a Term paper? Writing does not come naturally to many students; they found themselves often clueless and tired. What they need is little bit guidance and assistance to get an excellent term paper. Term papers are normally assigned to students on monthly basis, this gives them too much study load as they have already several tasks lined up for them.

Term Paper Writing

[Account Deleted]

raf

Thanks for sharing.

[Ning Asics]

Virtual economy like abandoned daily exercise, all day sit in front of the computer, gambling, before one in one out, it is another several years and decades of income. However, this unhealthy way, still can bring harm to the body fall, all kinds of disease, "invisible hand" here, become the target of attack bad habits, or lost thumb and index, or DuanWan thoroughly. But it still masters, for those who can only stay low hand,
http://www.mbt-usa.com/
MBT

[Ohioguide]

columbus injury lawyer
I always enjoy reading your posts and I look forward to your next one.

[oyunlar]

I seem to remember a little document called Constitution, it talks about pursuit of happiness and Human Rights for Americans and democracy in USA. orjin krem I don't remember it postulated pursuit of Globaloonie, Free Trade, Supernation Federation run by Jeffry Sachses of this world.

[Account Deleted]

There are many online stores having cheap chanel bags, i believe you gonna like it!fdsf

[Account Deleted]

http://www.ghdstyle-au.com/ghds.html
http://www.chihairflatirons.us
http://www.ghdsoutlet.com
http://www.googleghdhair.com

[Account Deleted]

Many places and centers offer business and trade promotions to both buyers and supplier.What about the differences in skill intensities across industries? The job losses in the relatively unskilled-labor intensive battery industry should have little effect on the relatively skilled-labor intensive machinery
sexshop
sexyshop
sexshop online
alongador peniano

[Account Deleted]

Merchants chinese mobile phones that desire to take part while in the Chinese drop ship organization need to ascertain they have info feeds. The presence of information feeds is definitely an vital administrative aid for the merchants wholesale electronics. It makes it possible for them to down load sources in a single big swoop devoid of getting to go right down to just about every item android smart phone.

[Account Deleted]

This site is excellent and so is how the subject matter was explained. I also like some of the comments too.Waiting for next post.

organic seo service

[Account Deleted]

We are just a call away. We will provide you with an outstanding writing service. We offer each and every writing service keeping in view the ever-growing needs of students.

Paper writing

Professional Paper Writing

[Account Deleted]

My Quran Lesson is an easy way for you and your kids to learn the Holy Quran. All you need is a PC, headset with a microphone and a broadband internet connection.
Quran Reading

[Claudio Timbers]

income may be distributed more unequally in the U.S., but that is largely irrelevant. As the chart below shows, very few Chinese are richer than the poorest Americans. The distributions of income for the two countries barely overlap. Apple iPhone 5

[Rastia Rigie]

Bank Mandiri Bank Terbaik di Indonesia
Bank Mandiri Bank Terbaik di Indonesia
Promo Bonus 100% Sbobet, Ibcbet dan Casino Online Dalam Rangka HUT BAVETLINE Yang Kedua
Masterbet88 Grand Opening Promo Bonus 50% Sportsbook dan Casino Online

[AgenBolaKaki]

http://www.mahapoker.com/ Dewa Poker http://www.mahapoker.com/ Permainan Poker http://www.mahapoker.com/support/carabermain.html Cara Bermain Poker http://www.mahapoker.com/ Poker Online http://www.mahapoker.com/ Game Poker http://www.mahapoker.com/ Poker Online Indonesia http://www.mahapoker.com/ Agen Poker http://www.mahapoker.com/ Poker Uang Asli http://www.mahapoker.com/ Agen Poker Online http://ligabebek.com Agen Bola - http://ligabebek.com Agen Bola Terpercaya - http://ligabebek.com Agen Sbobet - http://ligabebek.com Casino sbobet - http://ligabebek.com Sbobet - http://ligabebek.com Bola Tangkas http://tangkaspro.com/ Bola Tangkas http://tangkaspro.com/ Bola Tangkas Terpercaya http://tangkaspro.com/ Bola Tangkas Online http://tangkaspro.com/ Agen Bola Tangkas http://tangkaspro.com/ Bola Tangkas Online Indonesia http://tangkaspro.com/ Tangkas Online http://the-infinitygroup.com/ Poker Dewa http://the-infinitygroup.com/ Texas Holdem Poker http://the-infinitygroup.com/ Games Poker http://the-infinitygroup.com/ Zinga Poker http://the-infinitygroup.com/ Poker Texas Boyaa http://the-infinitygroup.com/ Dewa Poker Online http://the-infinitygroup.com/ Zyngapoker http://the-infinitygroup.com/ Holdem Poker http://the-infinitygroup.com/ poker online terpercaya http://walibola.com Agen Bola Terpercaya http://walibola.com Agen Bola Online http://walibola.com Situs Agen Bola Terpercaya http://walibola.com Agen Bola Tangkas http://walibola.com Agen Bola Sbobet http://walibola.com Sbobet http://walibola.com Ibcbet

[BandarQQ 365]

i try to search this Ian McEwan.. can you recomend what the best books?

please kindly visit my webpage too here

domino qq 99 judi online