643. Why Do Candles Still Exist?

Key takeaways

Candles have transitioned from a practical source of lighting to a symbol of ambiance and emotional comfort, revealing deeper cultural negotiations.
The concept of 'Hygge' emphasizes the cozy atmospheres that candles help create, aligning with broader cultural trends focused on well-being and mindfulness.
User responsibility in candle safety is paramount, given the risks associated with open flames.
Planned obsolescence drives consumer behavior, making even outdated technologies like candles relevant by fulfilling emotional and psychological needs.
Consumer attachment to products like candles reflects a blend of nostalgia and practical need, illustrating the complexity of modern consumer habits.

Summary

The Persistence of Candles in a Modern World

Despite the introduction of electricity, candles have continued to thrive as a $10 billion global industry. The discussion opens with the question of why people are still drawn to candles, which were once a necessity but are now more associated with ambiance and emotional connection. Steve Horenziak from the National Candle Association explains how the usage of candles has evolved from utilitarian to decorative and fragrance elements, tying into a primal human attraction to fire.

Candle Culture and Its Emotional Appeal

Mike Viking, a Danish happiness researcher, introduces the concept of 'Hygge,' which emphasizes creating a cozy atmosphere, togetherness, and comfort. This philosophy underlies a significant portion of candle sales in the U.S., showing that candles serve more than just a functional purpose. The emotional draw of lighting and the atmosphere created by candles become a focal point of the conversation, inviting comparisons to other nostalgic technologies.

Safety and Responsibility in Candle Usage

The episode also covers safety concerns related to candle usage, with Horenziak addressing the responsibility of candle users. He outlines three key safety tips: never leave a candle unattended, keep it away from flammable materials, and out of reach of children and pets. The discussion points out the irony of using candles - despite their beauty and ambiance, they carry a risk of fire which can lead to significant property damage and loss of life.

Nostalgia and Obsolescence in Consumer Culture

The conversation moves into a broader reflection on planned obsolescence and nostalgia in consumer items. Gökçe Günel emphasizes that obsolete technologies like candles don’t always disappear; they adapt and serve new purposes. Tim Cooper lends expertise on the economic impacts of planned obsolescence, using the example of the Phoebus Cartel and the intentional capping of product lifespan.

Candles as a Microcosm of Cultural Messages

Anthropologist Gökçe Günel reinforces the idea that products, even those deemed obsolete like candles, serve significant emotional and societal roles. The discussion includes a deep dive into how candles are perceived as comforting and nostalgic during uncertain times, amplifying their desirability and reassuring presence in modern households.

Show notes

They should have died out when the lightbulb was invented. Instead they’re a $10 billion industry. What does it mean that we still want tiny fires inside our homes?

SOURCES:
- Tim Cooper, professor emeritus of sustainable design and consumption at Nottingham Trent University.
- Gökçe Günel, professor of anthropology at Rice University.
- Steve Horenziak, president of the National Candle Association.
- Meik Wiking, Danish happiness researcher, C.E.O. of the Happiness Research Institute.

RESOURCES:
- "The Great Lightbulb Conspiracy," by Markus Krajewski (IEEE Spectrum, 2024).
- "The Obsolescence Issue," edited by Townsend Middleton, Gökçe Günel, and Ashley Carse (Limn, 2024).
- More and More and More, by Jean-Baptiste Fressoz (2024).
- "What Yankee Candle reviews can tell us about COVID," by Manuela López Restrepo, Christopher Intagliata, Ailsa Chang, and Sacha Pfeiffer (NPR, 2022).
- Spaceship in the Desert, by Gökçe Günel (2019).
- "The Birth of Planned Obsolescence," by Livia Gershon (JSTOR Daily, 2017).
- "Beeswax for the Ages," by G. Jeffrey MacDonald (The Living Church, 2016).
- The Waste Makers, by Vance Packard (2011).

EXTRAS:
- "Why Do People Still Hunt Whales?" by Freakonomics Radio (2023).
- "How to Be Happy," by Freakonomics Radio (2018).

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