Stahl is a Swedish economics and law professor on the selection committee for the Nobel Prize in Economics who strongly objects to John Nash’s winning the Nobel Prize. Stahl is a “brilliant debater” who is skeptical of game theory and concerned about Nash’s reputation, given Nash’s long hiatus from mathematics. Stahl makes inquiries about Nash’s mental state, arguing that Nash is too unstable to handle the fame associated with becoming a Laureate. Ultimately, though, Assar Lindbeck and other members of the selection committee overrule Stahl’s objections.