One of my favorite podcasts in recent memory, BBC’s 50 Things That Made the Modern Economy, is now a book. Thoughtful, original, and fun. Congratulations Tim Harford!

When they asked for suggestions for a 51st thing, I proposed the threaded screw. 🤓

Before it, fasteners were non-standard at best. Nails didn’t last. Others were hard to make or use. How many screws and bolts are made now? A million per person? Truly a key part of the modern economy.