Question

Alex sees that his neighbors' lawns all need mowing. He offers to provide the service in exchange for a wage of $20 per hour. Some neighbors accept Alex's offer and others refuse. Economists would describe Alex's behavior as:
A. rational self-interest because he is attempting to increase his own income by identifying and satisfying someone else's wants.
B. greedy because he is asking for a high wage that some of his neighbors can't afford to pay.
C. selfish because he is asking for a wage that is higher than others might charge.
D. irrational because some neighbors refused his offer.

Answer 1

Answer:

A) rational self-interest because he is attempting to increase his own income by identifying and satisfying someone else's wants.

Explanation:

One of economics basic premises is that human beings are rational and act on self interest. That describes both the behavior of consumers who will always try to maximize their benefits at the lowest possible cost, and entrepreneurs like Alex who will try to increase their wealth by identifying and satisfying other people's needs and wants.