The history of light (classic)
Digest
This episode of Planet Money delves into the fascinating history of light, tracing its evolution from primitive methods like burning animal fat for candles to the modern era of electric light. The episode begins with Jacob Goldstein's personal experience of making candles from beef fat, highlighting the laborious and inefficient nature of early lighting methods. The episode then explores the work of economist Bill Nordhaus, who meticulously calculated the cost of light in ancient Babylon, revealing how expensive and limited it was. Nordhaus's research demonstrates that for thousands of years, humanity lived in relative darkness, with limited productivity and economic growth. The episode then highlights the transformative impact of kerosene, a cheaper and more efficient fuel source that emerged in the 19th century, leading to a surge in productivity and economic growth. The episode concludes with a discussion of the invention of the electric light bulb by Thomas Edison, emphasizing the crucial role of finance and infrastructure in bringing this innovation to fruition. The episode also touches upon the environmental consequences of economic growth, particularly the pollution generated by early power plants. Overall, the episode paints a compelling picture of how advancements in lighting technology have shaped human history, driving economic progress and societal change.
Outlines
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The Quest for Light
This Chapter explores the history of light, starting with the use of animal fat for candles. Jacob Goldstein recounts his personal experience of making candles from beef fat, highlighting the laborious and inefficient nature of early lighting methods. The episode then discusses the work of economist Bill Nordhaus, who calculated the cost of light in ancient Babylon, revealing how expensive and limited it was.
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The Kerosene Revolution
This Chapter focuses on the transformative impact of kerosene, a cheaper and more efficient fuel source that emerged in the 19th century. The episode explains how kerosene led to a surge in productivity and economic growth, as it provided brighter, cleaner, and more affordable light. The episode also discusses the role of science and experimentation in the discovery of kerosene.
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Edison and the Electric Light
This Chapter delves into the invention of the electric light bulb by Thomas Edison, emphasizing the crucial role of finance and infrastructure in bringing this innovation to fruition. The episode highlights the importance of Edison's business acumen and his understanding of economics in driving the adoption of electric light. The episode also touches upon the environmental consequences of economic growth, particularly the pollution generated by early power plants.
Keywords
Light
Light is a form of electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the human eye. It is essential for life, as it allows plants to photosynthesize and animals to see. Light has been a source of fascination and study for centuries, and its technological advancements have played a significant role in human history.
Kerosene
Kerosene is a flammable hydrocarbon liquid that is derived from petroleum. It was a major breakthrough in lighting technology in the 19th century, as it was cheaper, brighter, and more efficient than whale oil. Kerosene lamps became widely used for illumination, and its discovery had a significant impact on economic growth and societal progress.
Thomas Edison
Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931) was an American inventor and businessman who is widely credited with the invention of the electric light bulb. He also made significant contributions to the development of motion pictures, sound recording, and other technologies. Edison's work had a profound impact on the world, and he is considered one of the most influential figures in history.
Economic Growth
Economic growth is the increase in the value of goods and services produced by an economy over time. It is often measured by the gross domestic product (GDP). Economic growth is a complex phenomenon that is influenced by a variety of factors, including technological advancements, investment, and human capital. It is generally considered to be a positive development, as it leads to higher living standards and improved quality of life.
Bill Nordhaus
William D. Nordhaus (born 1941) is an American economist who is known for his work on climate change economics. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics in 2018 for his work on integrating climate change into long-run macroeconomic analysis. Nordhaus's research has been influential in shaping the understanding of the economic costs and benefits of climate change mitigation.
Planet Money
Planet Money is a daily podcast produced by NPR that explores the world of economics and finance. The podcast covers a wide range of topics, from the global economy to personal finance. Planet Money is known for its engaging and accessible approach to complex economic issues.
Ancient Babylon
Ancient Babylon was a powerful city-state in Mesopotamia that flourished from the 18th to the 6th centuries BC. It was known for its impressive architecture, including the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and its advanced legal system. Babylon was a major center of trade and culture, and its influence extended throughout the ancient world.
JP Morgan
John Pierpont Morgan (1837-1913) was an American financier and banker who was a dominant figure in corporate finance and banking during the Gilded Age. He was known for his role in consolidating industries, such as steel and railroads, and for his influence on the US economy. Morgan's financial power and influence made him a key player in the development of American capitalism.
Q&A
How did the cost of light change over time, and what impact did this have on society?
The cost of light has decreased dramatically over time, from being incredibly expensive in ancient Babylon to being relatively inexpensive today. This decrease in cost has led to increased productivity, economic growth, and societal progress. For example, the invention of kerosene lamps in the 19th century made light more affordable and accessible, leading to longer working hours and increased economic activity. The invention of the electric light bulb further reduced the cost of light, enabling people to work and live longer hours and leading to the development of new industries and technologies.
What role did finance and infrastructure play in the adoption of electric light?
Finance and infrastructure were crucial for the adoption of electric light. Thomas Edison, the inventor of the electric light bulb, needed significant financial resources to build power plants and lay wires to distribute electricity. He also needed a legal framework, such as patents, to protect his inventions and attract investors. The development of a robust financial system and infrastructure was essential for the widespread adoption of electric light and the subsequent economic growth it spurred.
What are some of the environmental consequences of economic growth?
Economic growth often comes with environmental consequences, such as pollution and resource depletion. The episode highlights the pollution generated by early power plants, which burned coal to generate electricity. As economic growth continues, it is important to consider the environmental impact of our actions and develop sustainable practices to mitigate these consequences.
Is economic growth sustainable, or will we eventually run out of ways to make things better?
The episode raises the question of whether economic growth is sustainable in the long term. While there have been significant advancements in productivity and efficiency over the past centuries, there are physical limits to how much we can improve things. The episode suggests that we may be approaching the limits of what is possible with certain technologies, such as the light bulb. However, it also acknowledges that human ingenuity and innovation have a history of overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Show Notes
The history of light explains why the world today is the way it is. It explains why we aren't all subsistence farmers, and why we can afford to have artists and massage therapists and plumbers. (And, yes, people who make podcasts about the history of light.) The history of light is the history of economic growth--of things getting faster, cheaper, and more efficient.
On today's show: How we got from dim little candles made out of cow fat, to as much light as we want at the flick of a switch.
Today's show was hosted by Jacob Goldstein and David Kestenbaum. It was originally produced by Caitlin Kenney and Damiano Marchetti. Today's rerun was produced by James Sneed, and edited by Jenny Lawton. It was fact-checked by Sierra Juarez. Engineering by Valentina Rodríguez Sánchez. Alex Goldmark is Planet Money's executive producer.
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