Why Do Candles Still Exist? - Detailed Podcast Summary
In Episode 643 of Freakonomics Radio, titled "Why Do Candles Still Exist?," host Stephen Dubner delves into the enduring presence of candles in a world dominated by electric lighting. Despite being considered an obsolete technology, candles remain a staple in millions of households. The episode explores the multifaceted reasons behind this persistence, combining insights from industry experts, sustainability scholars, and anthropologists.
The Resilient Candle Industry
Steve Horenciak on the Evolution and Significance of Candles
[00:35] Steve Horenciak, President of the National Candle Association (NCA), provides a historical perspective on candles, tracing their origins back over 5,000 years. Historically, candles served as a source of portable fire, essential for lighting and work during darkness. However, their role has significantly transformed over millennia.
"The earliest records that we know about would be in ancient Egypt, a pithy reed just dipped in some animal fat."
— Steve Horenciak [01:59]
Today, candles are primarily used for decorative purposes, ambiance setting, home fragrancing, and self-care indulgence. The global candle market has burgeoned into a $10 billion industry, driven largely by the popularity of scented candles, along with various forms like tapers, pillars, tea lights, and votives. Notably, half of the global candle sales occur in the United States.
Candle Safety and Manufacturing
Despite their decorative appeal, candles pose safety risks. The NCA emphasizes responsible usage to prevent accidents:
- Keep candles within sight while burning.
- Keep them away from flammable materials like bedding and curtains.
- Keep them out of reach of children and pets.
Statistically, candles are responsible for approximately 6,000 home fires annually in the U.S., resulting in an average of 74 civilian deaths and $250 million in property damage each year.
The Concept of Planned Obsolescence
Tim Cooper on Product Lifespans and Consumer Behavior
[33:15] Tim Cooper, Emeritus Professor of Sustainable Design and Consumption at Nottingham Trent University, explores the idea of planned obsolescence—the deliberate shortening of a product's lifespan to encourage repeated purchases. Cooper highlights how industries like electronics, clothing, and automotive sectors have historically implemented this strategy to sustain economic growth.
"The lifetime of the product only really began to be addressed in the past 10 or 20 years."
— Tim Cooper [36:22]
He references the infamous Phoebus Cartel of the 1920s, where major light bulb manufacturers colluded to limit the lifespan of their bulbs, ensuring consistent sales despite technological advancements that could have prolonged product life.
Impact on the Candle Industry
While candles aren't typically associated with rapid technological evolution, the principles of planned obsolescence subtly influence consumer choices. Manufacturers balance between producing durable candles and introducing new fragrances and designs to maintain market interest.
Anthropology of Obsolete Technologies
Gokce Gunal on Cultural and Emotional Attachments
[21:23] Gokce Gunal, an anthropologist and professor at Rice University, offers a cultural lens on why candles—and other obsolete technologies—persist. Her research underscores the emotional and societal roles these items play beyond their functional purposes.
"Whenever the weather gets cold, I feel like I have to buy more candles."
— Gokce Gunal [21:38]
Gunal discusses how candles serve as tools for creating ambiance, offering emotional comfort, and maintaining traditions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, candle sales surged as individuals sought comfort amidst uncertainty, highlighting candles' role in emotional well-being.
Listener Insights on Obsolete Technologies
The episode features listeners sharing their attachments to obsolete items:
- Clotheslines: Patrice shares her reliance on clotheslines despite owning a dryer.
- Typewriters and Paper Diaries: Corey and others express sentimental value attached to analog writing tools.
- Original iPods and Mechanical Watches: Zach and Mark emphasize the enduring appeal of vintage technology.
Gunal notes that such attachments often stem from emotional connections, practicality, and the aesthetic value of older technologies.
The Intersection of Technology and Tradition
Ceremonial Uses and Rituals
Candles retain their significance in various ceremonies and religious practices. For instance, the Catholic Church continues to use beeswax candles for rituals, symbolizing the connection between light and societal organization.
"There's something about beeswax candles meeting two needs at once. The need for light and the need for social organization."
— Gokce Gunal [27:07]
Emotional Resilience and Familiarity
Candles offer a sense of control and familiarity, especially during power outages or stressful times. They provide a tangible connection to simpler times, serving as a psychological anchor in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
"Having a candle at home makes you feel like you're still going to be okay even when the lights go off."
— Gokce Gunal [27:23]
Planned Obsolescence and Consumer Responsibility
Balancing Durability and Market Demand
As Cooper explains, industries must navigate the fine line between product durability and economic viability. While consumers often demand longer-lasting products, the market's inherent push for newness and innovation propels planned obsolescence.
Regulatory Responses and the Right to Repair
Governments, particularly in Europe, have begun to address planned obsolescence through legislation that encourages product longevity and repairability. The French government's ban on planned obsolescence and the introduction of repairability labels exemplify efforts to empower consumers and promote sustainable consumption.
Conclusion: The Enduring Flame of Candles
Despite the advent of electric lighting and technological advancements, candles continue to illuminate our lives—not just physically but emotionally and culturally. Their persistence is a testament to their multifaceted roles in human society, blending functionality with tradition, aesthetics, and emotional comfort. Freakonomics Radio successfully unravels the complex tapestry of factors that keep candles burning brightly in the modern age.
Notable Quotes
- Steve Horenciak [02:50]: "The job is no longer utilitarian. It might be decor. Or even if it is about light, it's about setting a mood."
- Tim Cooper [33:15]: "The lifetime of the product only really began to be addressed in the past 10 or 20 years."
- Gokce Gunal [27:07]: "There's something about beeswax candles meeting two needs at once. The need for light and the need for social organization."
Upcoming Episode Preview: Next time on Freakonomics Radio, the hosts will explore the economics of the whaling industry, examining how whales transitioned from valuable commodities to symbols of the environmental movement.