The thing about a Keynesian beauty contest is that, backstage, it’s just like every other kind.

“But it’s not a beauty contest!” the organizer assures them. “It’s a pageant, dedicated to recognizing the best in all of us!”

“Where’s the duct tape?” calls Andretti.

“Next to the pancake and spackle,” says the organizer.

“I’ll do you if you do me,” says Nicola.

Andretti grins gratefully and hoists herself against gravity. “I wasn’t sure I’d even qualify for this,” she says. “I mean, I’m only one-quarter Keynesian!”

“Well,” Nicola says through the tape in her teeth, “we are all Keynesians now.”