50 More Things That Made the Modern Economy

Things That Made the Modern Economy

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Inventions, ideas and innovations that have helped to create the modern economic world

Tim Harford introduces inventions, ideas and innovations that have helped to create the modern economic world

Things That Made the Modern Economy: Series 2: Cassava

Cassava

Series 2

BBC Radio 4 - Things That Made the Modern Economy, Series 2, Cassava

What does cassava teach us about the hidden social forces that support a modern economy?

Cassava has routinely poisoned the unwary, and yet those used to it can make it safe. How? And what does it teach us about the hidden social forces that support a modern economy?

Cassava roots are a vital source of calories in tropical countries. They are also a puzzle: cassava is highly toxic, and to be made safe it requires a tedious and complex preparation ritual. Plants such as cassava have routinely poisoned the unwary, and yet societies who are accustomed to it manage to make it safe despite all the hurdles. Tim Harford asks how humans have learned to do this without dropping dead. And what does cassava teach us about the hidden social forces that support a modern economy?

Producer: Ben Crighton
Editor: Richard Vadon

Things That Made the Modern Economy: Series 2

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

More inventions, ideas and innovations that helped to create the modern economic world.

More inventions, ideas and innovations that have helped to create the modern economic world.

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Things That Made the Modern Economy

Series 2

Cassava

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