Ideas worth spreading

The magic washing machine

3,558,175 views | Hans Rosling • TEDWomen 2010

What was the greatest invention of the industrial revolution? Hans Rosling makes the case for the washing machine. With newly designed graphics from Gapminder, Rosling shows us the magic that pops up when economic growth and electricity turn a boring wash day into an intellectual day of reading.

What was the greatest invention of the industrial revolution? Hans Rosling makes the case for the washing machine. With newly designed graphics from Gapminder, Rosling shows us the magic that pops up when economic growth and electricity turn a boring wash day into an intellectual day of reading.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

About the speaker

Hans Rosling

Global health expert; data visionary

See speaker profile

In Hans Rosling’s hands, data sings. Global trends in health and economics come to vivid life. And the big picture of global development -- with some surprisingly good news -- snaps into sharp focus.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.