How This King Tricked People Into Eating Potatoes

Rory Sutherland tells how this king tricked the peasants into eating potatoes which was considered disgusting at the time. In the 18th century, King Frederick the Great of Prussia faced a challenge: how to get his subjects to adopt the potato as a staple food. Potatoes, new to Europe, were met with suspicion by the Prussian peasantry. Recognizing the potato’s potential to provide a reliable food source during times of famine, Frederick devised a clever strategy to overcome the peasants’ resistance. Despite their nutritional benefits, potatoes were initially viewed with skepticism. They were considered food for animals and even thought to be poisonous by some. The peasants, accustomed to their traditional crops like wheat and barley, were reluctant to change their agricultural practices. Frederick knew that simply mandating the cultivation and consumption of potatoes would not work. Instead, he employed reverse psychology. He ordered that potatoes be planted in the royal fields and then stationed guards around these fields, giving the impression that the crop was highly valuable and worth protecting. However, the guards had secret instructions to be somewhat lax in their duties, allowing the peasants to “steal“ the potatoes. The sight of a guarded crop piqued the curiosity and interest of the peasants, leading them to believe that potatoes must indeed be a valuable and desirable food. As Frederick had anticipated, the peasants began to steal the potatoes from the guarded fields and plant them in their own plots. Over time, they discovered that potatoes were not only safe to eat but also versatile and filling. The royal endorsement and the perceived value of the guarded potatoes changed public perception, and the potato gradually became a staple food in Prussia. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram - @financian_ Don’t forget to follow us on TikTok - @financian_ @financian_ #short #shorts