Eleven Inventions That Changed the World & The Right Way to Make Love and Money Decisions - SYSK Choice
Jan 25, 2025
auto_awesome
Susan Denham-Wade, author of "A History of Seeing in Eleven Inventions," reveals how inventions like mirrors and smartphones have dramatically altered our self-perception and identity. Myra Strober, a Stanford economist and author of "Money and Love," shares her insights on the tricky interplay between love and financial decisions, emphasizing a systematic approach to choosing wisely in life. Together, they explore the profound ways these topics shape our daily decisions and cultural views, providing a roadmap for better choices.
The intriguing histories behind food product names reveal surprising connections to culture and language, like Philadelphia cream cheese's New York origins.
A systematic approach to decision-making in love and money highlights the interconnectedness of these domains, fostering improved outcomes and wellbeing.
Deep dives
Origins of Popular Food Names
The podcast delves into the fascinating origins of various food products' names, highlighting that many commonly known items have backstories that defy initial assumptions. For instance, Philadelphia cream cheese, despite its name, actually originated in New York, taking its name from Philadelphia due to the city's association with high-quality food products. Gatorade was formulated for the Florida Gators football team by a kidney specialist, with the drink's name reflecting that connection rather than any relation to alligators. Other examples include Spam, which is believed to refer to spiced ham, and the Frisbee, named after the Frisbee Pie Company, demonstrating the playful and often unexpected links between food, culture, and language.
Impact of Inventions on Perception
The discussion shifts towards how significant inventions like mirrors, telescopes, and smartphones have transformed human perception both of oneself and the universe. The invention of mirrors allowed early civilizations to view themselves clearly, which coincided with a shift towards individualism and self-awareness in society. Similarly, the telescope revolutionized our understanding of our place in the universe, as seen through Galileo's discoveries, which challenged the long-held notion of an Earth-centered universe and changed humanity's perspective on their surroundings. These examples illustrate that advancements in technology not only enhance our vision but also alter the fundamental way we conceptualize our identity and place in the world.
The Role of Eyeglasses in History
Eyeglasses have historically altered how individuals experience the world, particularly among those facing vision problems. The first eyeglasses, designed for long-sightedness, significantly extended the working lives of artists and scholars during the Renaissance, allowing them to continue their craft well into old age. The development of concave lenses further transformed accessibility for short-sighted individuals, although their introduction occurred much later. The ongoing rise in myopia correlates with increased indoor activities, especially since the advent of television, illustrating a complex relationship between technology, health, and societal changes.
Navigating Love and Money Decisions
The conversation also addresses the intertwined nature of love and money decisions and the common struggles people face when making significant life choices. Many individuals tend to treat these decisions as separate domains, but they are inherently connected, leading to undue stress and potential regret when not considered holistically. A systematic five-step framework for making these choices includes clarifying one's objectives, communicating openly with partners, and evaluating a range of potential outcomes. This structured approach encourages individuals to think critically about their decisions while recognizing the emotional and financial aspects that impact their overall happiness and future.
Some inventions have had profound effects on how humans see themselves and our place in the world. For example, the mirror, photography, television, and the smartphone have all significantly changed our perception of ourselves. Here to explain this and the significance of it all is Susan Denham Wade author of the book A History of Seeing in Eleven Inventions (https://amzn.to/3vZdj9k)
The most difficult decisions we most often make are about love and money. So how can we improve our ability to make these important decisions? Here with some great insight and advice is Myra Strober. She is a labor economist, Professor Emerita at Stanford University and author of the book Money and Love: An Intelligent Roadmap for Life’s Biggest Decisions (https://amzn.to/3H34xNO)
SHOPIFY: "Established in 2025". Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? Sign up for a $1 per-month trial period at https://Shopify.com/sysk . Go to SHOPIFY.com/sysk to grow your business!
HERS: Hers is changing women's healthcare by providing access to GLP-1 weekly injections with the same active ingredient as Ozempic and Wegovy, as well as oral medication kits. Start your free online visit today at https://forhers.com/sysk
INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING right now!
CURIOSITY WEEKLY: We love Curiosity Weekly, so be sure and listen wherever you get your podcasts!