So Ed Glazer, recent research indicates that humans, or at least something close to humans,

have been living on this planet for perhaps six million years.

In your view, what is our greatest invention?

I think the city is our greatest invention because it plays to something that is so fundamental

in humanity.

It plays to our ability to learn from one another, and that ability has evolved over six

million years and it's made us what we are.

From American Public Media and WNYC, this is Frekenomics Radio.

Here's your host, Stephen Dubner.

Today we're doing something a little different on our podcast.

Usually we talk to a good number of guests, weave them together, mix in some magic radio

dust, but this time we're giving the floor to one guest.

I wanted to share the conversation we had because it just might make you think differently

about how you live and where you live.

The guest is Ed Glazer.

He's a Harvard economist whose research covers everything from obesity and crime to innovation

and urban policy.

He's just published a new book called Triumph of the City.

How our greatest invention makes us richer, smarter, greener, healthier and happier.

And you're thinking the city, our greatest human invention, healthier, greener, glazer.

Are you for real?

Yeah, he's for real.

...