The Theory of Interstellar Trade [pdf] (1978)

https://www.princeton.edu/~pkrugman/interstellar.pdf

Article

  • 1978 Krugman paper solving interest accounting for goods traveling near light speed
  • Two theorems proved: ‘useless but true’ by author’s own admission
  • Written partly as parody; serious math applied to a ridiculous premise

Discussion

  • Thread universally delighted by Krugman’s self-aware framing (‘serious analysis of a ridiculous subject’)
  • Supported by ‘Committee to Re-Elect William Proxmire’ — golden footnote
  • Charles Stross’s Neptune’s Brood recommended as fiction exploring same themes
  • ‘Two useless but true theorems are proved. Based.’ sums up sentiment

Discuss on HN


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Added Apr 21, 2026
Modified Apr 21, 2026