Distinctive/Distiguished Academics

MR pointed me to this post about "possible models for Freakonomics 3." I'm not particularly interested in this topic, but what struck me was that the top three "models" (i.e. public intellectuals) are people that I read almost every day. I'm pretty sure that I could pick a Krugman, Gladwell or Cowen article out of a lineup nearly 100% of the time. Their styles of writing, research, critical thinking and debate have played a substantial role in furthering my post college education and sharpening my mind.

Paul Krugman writes an Op-Ed piece for the New York Times every Monday and Friday. He's also published about two dozen books, won the Nobel Prize in Economics, and cemented a spot as one of the most important economists of the late 20th/early 21st century.

Malcolm Gladwell's virtuosic ability to write about nearly any conceivable topic is almost maddening. His books are perpetual best sellers and every one of his New Yorker features is worthy of a careful reading.

Tyler Cowen is certainly the least well known of the this trifecta, but he may be the most prolific intellectual blogger in the world. His site, Marginal Revolution, is a treasure trove of interesting links, thought provoking analysis, and spirited debate. Other notable attributes: he reads no less than six novels at a given time; he's a film and music buff (old/new, American/international, indie/blockbuster...), he's also an expert on ethnic cuisine. I would bet that he sleeps less than four hours per night.