Empire of Things: How We Became a World of Consumers, from the Fifteenth Century to the Twenty-First
From the 15th century to the present day, our world has been increasingly defined by the objects we acquire, cherish, and discard. In this episode, we explore the groundbreaking insights from Frank Trentmann's 'Empire of Things,' tracing the complex journey of how humanity transitioned from viewing objects primarily as tools to seeing them as extensions of self, symbols of status, and drivers of desire. We unpack the subtle shifts that began centuries ago, the democratizing force of industrialization, and the profound ways our possessions reflect and shape our identities. This isn't just a history of consumerism; it's an intelligent examination of the deep, often unconscious, connection we share with the material world, inviting listeners to reconsider their own place within this 'empire of things' and cultivate a more intentional relationship with their possessions.