So they say that money runs the world.
But the story of money itself, well, that's where things get really interesting.
From wildcat banks on the American frontier.
It was about as difficult to become a banker as it was to become a bricklayer.
Many people viewed them as con men.
The ancient rulers wiping out debts thousands of years ago.
When a king came to the throne, and Hammurabi did this himself.
One of the very first things he did was to cancel everyone's debts.
Lenders really did break the tablets on which the loans were recorded.
People were free.
History, but especially financial history, has an uncanny way of repeating itself.
How, you might ask?
Well, we've got a brand new podcast that explains exactly how.
The story of money from the Financial Times.
Hosted by me, Gillian Tett.
And me, Robin Wigglesworth.
Each week, we go back in time.
To understand what the forces are that really shaped the financial world we live in today.
Because whether it's artificial intelligence bubbles or the next big market crash.
Chances are it's all happened before.