A Culture of Growth

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During the late eighteenth century, innovations in Europe sparked the Industrial Revolution, leading to unprecedented global economic progress. However, the reasons behind this revolution remain unclear. Why did it begin in the West and not elsewhere, and why did it continue to foster prosperity? Celebrated economic historian Joel Mokyr argues that a unique culture of growth in early modern Europe and the Enlightenment laid the groundwork for scientific advancements and groundbreaking inventions that fueled technological and economic development. Mokyr integrates economics, the history of science and technology, and cultural evolution models to illustrate that culture—comprising societal beliefs, values, and preferences—was crucial in driving societal transformations. He examines the period from 1500 to 1700, highlighting how Europe's political fragmentation created a competitive "market for ideas" and a desire to explore nature's secrets. Additionally, a transnational community of thinkers, the "Republic of Letters," facilitated the free exchange of ideas. This environment explains why the Industrial Revolution occurred in Europe rather than China, despite both regions having similar technological and intellectual capacities. In Europe, innovative thinkers could seek refuge in other countries, promoting cross-border ideas, while China's Enlightenment was constrained by its ruling elite. Mokyr’s insights reveal how the foundat