On this date (Feb 7) in 1935, the classic board game Monopoly was finalized and published by Parker Brothers. Since its creation, more than a billion people have played it, making it the most played commercially available board game in the world.
As with oatmeal and the founding of Pennsylvania, the history of Monopoly goes back to the Quakers. Back in 1903, a Quaker named Elizabeth J. Maggie Phillips created a game called The Landlord’s Game, which was designed to show the negative effects of concentrating land in private monopolies. Sounds absolutely riveting!
A quick fact – the $200 you got for passing Go, when adjusted for inflation, translates to around $3200 in 2010 dollars! Suddenly I find myself wanting to pass Go more often!!
Over the years, Monopoly has become an important part of life in America. It has played a large role in our societal education… without Monopoly, we wouldn’t know how to deal with money, pay rent, cheat on our taxes, rip off our friends and family, or shove tiny Scotty dogs up our noses. In particular, I enjoy the irony of the fact that a game originally designed to illustrate the hazards of unregulated capitalism is the first exposure many of us have to our GHFMSTEG (Great and Holy Free Market System of Theological Economic Governmentalism)!
So, on this, the 76th birthday of Monopoly, go out and celebrate! Buy a bunch of railroads… or become a major slum lord… or shove a tiny Scotty dog up your nose. It’s fun for the whole family!!