Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard David McWilliams (on the history of money)
24 snips
Jan 14, 2026 
David McWilliams, a journalist and economist known for his accessible insights, shares his fascinating view on the history and role of money. He discusses how his upbringing influenced his understanding of economics and critiques the idea that anyone truly controls the economy. David compares money to fire as a transformative technology, explaining its alternatives to violence and its function in fostering trust and specialization in complex societies. He also explores the historical dynamics of credit and its significant implications on civilizations.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Economics Is Messy Like Biology
- Economics is closer to biology than physics because economies are messy, evolving systems driven by humans.
- David McWilliams argues economics tried to mimic physics and lost sight of human unpredictability.
Money As A Defining Human Technology
- Money is a human-made technology that shaped civilization like fire shaped biology.
- McWilliams calls modern humans 'plutophyte' because we evolve around money as a central force.
Money Amplifies Trust Between Strangers
- Money amplifies trust by providing a shared shorthand that strangers can use to transact.
- That shared trust is essential for complex urban societies to function and mix strangers together.
