An idea from The Wealth of Nations

The classic pin-shop example is part visit and part reading. Its count of 18 steps matches a French encyclopedia article from 1755, and pin makers of that era split into closer to 8 or 9 trades. The large gain from dividing work has held up ever since.

From The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith

Enjoy The Road is a library of ideas from books that lasted, in plain words. A new one every day, free to read.

Next idea from this book
All 30 ideas from this book
For the little ones

The Sunday email

One email each Sunday morning: the week’s seven ideas, a question to think about, and a link to a story to read to a child.

Get the Sunday email