The Link between Startups and Privilege
Self-made? The most successful independent ventures are often backed by legacy money or networks.
Light Bulbs for Beauty
When electric lighting was first introduced to U.S. households, marketing departments tried to convince women that better lighting would be flattering.
How Business Got Risky
The word “risk” took on new meaning in the 19th century, when it became a way of understanding the interactions between individuals and economic markets.
Not Everyone Wants Their Donations Touted on Facebook
Some people are more inclined to give when they know their friends will find out—and some are not.
Governing Fisheries in the High Seas
Overfishing is a huge problem in international waters. Some suggest a fishing ban. Others stress a shared shift toward cooperation and long-term thinking.
The Crucial American Warehouse
In 19th-century America, the changing economy called for warehouses, which in turn created the warehouse districts that defined many cities.
What Made the Pinto Such a Controversial Car
The Pinto became known as the subcompact car that Ford sold while ignoring major safety defects. But was that just a false narrative?
Entrepreneur Personality Test
A study of successful entrepreneurs finds a high level of emotional intelligence and sociability, along with a marked need to dominate.
When Washington, DC, Became a Tourist Destination
When the U.S. federal government first moved to D.C. in 1800, the city was still largely swamp. Tourists didn't start to visit until many decades later.
The French Perfume Boom
The marketing of scents through clever branding, rather than real differences in what’s being sold, originated in nineteenth-century France.