Have you ever stared at a barcode and thought, “Wow, this little strip of black and white lines is basically the linchpin of global capitalism”? No? Well, Tim Harford has. In Fifty Things that Made the Modern Economy, he takes the seemingly mundane detritus of human progress: things like barcodes, shipping containers, and artificial light. Harford spins them into a web of economic cause and effect so intricate, you’ll wonder why history books aren’t all written this way.
Contents
Harford’s central thesis is as elegant as it is revolutionary: progress isn’t the work of lone geniuses having eureka moments in candlelit rooms. Instead, it’s a chaotic, interconnected mess of small innovations that snowball into modernity. And, as it turns out, the things that shape our world aren’t always the things you’d expect. Sure, the automobile and the internet are in there, but so is the birth control pill. And the plough. And the lift. (The lift? Yes. Keep reading.)
What makes Harford’s book so compelling is his ability to turn what should be dry economic history into a rollercoaster ride through the unintended consequences of invention. For instance, he deftly traces how barcodes led to the rise of big-box stores, which in turn helped accelerate globalisation. Suddenly, that beep at the checkout line feels a little more profound.
His writing is crisp, engaging, and refreshingly jargon-free. Each chapter is a finely crafted essay, balancing economic insight with the sort of storytelling that makes you say, Just one more chapter, before realising it’s three o’clock in the morning. You now have strong opinions about the washing machine’s role in gender equality.
Review
Of course, no book is perfect. While the snackable format makes it an easy read, it sometimes sacrifices depth. Some of the most consequential innovations feel like they deserve a bit more room to breathe. And yes, the book leans heavily on Western-centric narratives – though, to be fair, much of modern economic infrastructure was shaped by the West, for better or worse. Still, a bit more global balance wouldn’t have hurt.
But these are minor quibbles in an otherwise delightful read. Harford isn’t trying to rewrite the entire history of innovation – just highlight some of its most fascinating, unexpected turning points. And on that front, he delivers.
Fifty Things that Made the Modern Economy is ultimately a love letter to human ingenuity, reminding us that the gears of progress turn not just on the backs of titans, but through the steady accumulation of tiny, unglamorous innovations. It’s a book that will leave you looking at the world differently – whether it’s the escalator at the mall or the humble plough that kickstarted civilisation.
And if nothing else, it will at least give you a newfound appreciation for the lowly barcode.
Verdict
In short, Fifty Things that Made the Modern Economy is a masterclass in making economic history feel personal, urgent, and – dare I say it – fun. Even if you don’t consider yourself an “economics person,” this book might just change your mind. Or at least make you stare at your next shipping container with newfound respect.
🔗 Cross-published to my Goodreads.