Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford: "Do NOT Pass GO! (Classic)"
Release Date: January 3, 2025
Introduction: Monopoly’s Dark Side
In this classic episode of Cautionary Tales, host Tim Harford delves into the captivating and often overlooked history of the beloved board game Monopoly. While Monopoly is synonymous with cutthroat competition and property trading, its origins reveal a much more nuanced and socially conscious inception designed to teach cooperative and ethical economic principles.
The Myth of Charles Darrow
Tim Harford begins by recounting the widely accepted narrative that Charles Darrow, an unemployed steam radiator repairman from Philadelphia, invented Monopoly during the Great Depression. According to this story, Darrow created the game out of desperation to support his family, drawing the game board on oilcloth and using Atlantic City street names to uplift his household during tough times. This tale of rags-to-riches and creative ingenuity quickly captured the public's imagination, securing Darrow’s place in Monopoly lore.
Notable Quote:
"Monopoly became a smash hit. Charles Darrow's fortune was assured, as was his reputation as the creator of one of the most successful games in the world." – Tim Harford [08:45]
Unveiling the True Origins: Lizzie Magee and the Landlord’s Game
Contrary to the popular story, Harford reveals through Mary Pollon's research in The Monopolists that Monopoly was not Darrow’s original creation. Instead, the game was an adaptation of earlier versions played by Charles and Olive Todd, who had learned it from Ruth Hoskins. However, the true progenitor of the game was Lizzie Magee, a remarkable woman whose Landlord’s Game was patented in 1904.
Lizzie Magee, a dedicated follower of Henry George's Georgist principles, designed the Landlord’s Game to illustrate the pitfalls of monopolies and promote equitable land taxation. Her game featured cooperative elements where players invested in women’s inventions and emphasized resource accumulation over ruthless competition.
Notable Quote:
"Lizzie Magee broke the mold in so many ways... She actually had the determination to follow through on her dreams despite all the obstacles." – Tim Harford [28:58]
Gender and Innovation: The Struggle for Recognition
The episode sheds light on the systemic gender biases that marginalized women inventors like Magee. Despite holding patents, women faced significant barriers in gaining recognition and commercial success. Harford cites economist Lisa Cook’s research, emphasizing that societal expectations and lack of mentorship perpetuated the innovation gap. Cook highlights that if young girls were equally exposed to female inventors, innovation rates could surge dramatically.
Notable Quote:
"If young girls had the same exposure to female inventors as young boys did to male inventors, they would innovate more than two and a half times as much as now." – Tim Harford [32:10]
The Downfall of the Landlord’s Game
Despite its progressive design, Lizzie Magee’s Landlord’s Game struggled to gain traction. When George Parker of Parker Brothers acquired the rights in 1935, he rebranded it as Monopoly. However, Parker Brothers did not promote the cooperative and educational aspects of the game, instead focusing on the competitive elements that Darrow had popularized. This shift aligned Monopoly with capitalist values, overshadowing Magee’s original intent.
Magee’s contributions were systematically erased from the game’s history, and she became a footnote overshadowed by the myth of Charles Darrow. Her efforts to promote single taxation and cooperative economics were lost in the commercial success of a more ruthless version of the game.
Notable Quote:
"Lizzie Magee did not fit the stereotype of a creative genius... she was desperate for her game to reach the audience it deserved." – Tim Harford [37:22]
The Legacy and Lessons Learned
Harford concludes by reflecting on the broader implications of Magee’s story. The exclusion of women and minority inventors from mainstream recognition reveals deep-seated issues within the innovation economy. The episode serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of acknowledging and supporting diverse contributions to creativity and progress.
Notable Quote:
"Having a patent might not be enough. A patent isn't much good if nobody respects it." – Tim Harford [30:15]
Conclusion: A Call for Recognition and Change
Do NOT Pass GO! (Classic) underscores the necessity of revisiting and revising the narratives that shape our understanding of innovation and success. By bringing Lizzie Magee’s story to the forefront, Tim Harford advocates for a more inclusive acknowledgment of all contributors who have shaped our cultural and economic landscapes.
Notable Quote:
"Maybe it will achieve no more social change than Lizzie McGee did with her cooperative version of the Landlord's Game. But it seems worth a try." – Tim Harford [40:59]
Additional Resources
For those interested in exploring this topic further, Harford references Mary Pollon's The Monopolists and Christopher Ketchum's article in Harper's titled "Monopoly is Theft." Academic works by Lisa Cook and Raj Chetty are also recommended for understanding the innovation gap and the socio-economic factors influencing patent ownership.
About the Episode
This episode of Cautionary Tales is written by Tim Harford, with contributions from Andrew Wright, and produced by Ryan Dilley and Marilyn Rust. The narrative is enriched by the voice talent of Helena Bonham Carter and Jeffrey Wright, among others, bringing to life the historical and social dynamics discussed.
If you enjoyed this summary, consider listening to the full episode of "Do NOT Pass GO! (Classic)" on Pushkin Industries to immerse yourself in this fascinating exploration of Monopoly’s true origins and the enduring impact of gender bias in innovation.