Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford

Do NOT Pass GO! (Classic)

22 snips
Jan 3, 2025
Discover the surprising origins of Monopoly, which was initially designed to promote economic fairness but became a symbol of greed. The podcast sheds light on Lizzie McGee, the true inventor, whose contributions were overshadowed by Charles Darrow. Explore how women inventors like McGee faced systemic challenges and the impact of newly launched games like Ms. Monopoly that aim to empower women. Uncover the transformation of The Landlord's Game into the classic we know today, highlighting the need for recognition of unsung geniuses in gaming.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Monopoly's False Origin

  • The popular narrative claims Charles Darrow invented Monopoly during the Great Depression out of desperation.
  • This story, included in game boxes for years, was entirely false.
INSIGHT

Women and Patents

  • Women inventors hold only about 10% of patents, a situation slowly improving.
  • At the current rate, gender parity in patents is projected for the year 2135.
ANECDOTE

Percy Julian's Struggle

  • Economist Lisa Cook highlights how discrimination hinders innovation, citing her cousin, chemist Percy Julian.
  • Despite facing racism, Julian became a successful inventor and lab director.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app