Explore the world of higher-order functions in Python through this 33-minute EuroPython 2021 conference talk. Dive into the functools module, a powerful component of Python's standard library that offers a collection of higher-order functions. Learn how these functions can act on or return other functions, enhancing your code and improving efficiency. Discover the history and practical applications of functools, including partial functions, total ordering, reduce operations, and single dispatch. Gain insights into how these concepts can be applied to write more elegant and efficient Python code. By the end of the talk, acquire a comprehensive understanding of functools and its potential to elevate your Python programming skills.