How the West Won

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Modernity emerged uniquely in the West—Europe and North America—where science, democracy, and the abolition of slavery flourished. Acclaimed author Rodney Stark explores why this is the case, addressing a question often deemed politically incorrect. In a sweeping examination of Western civilization, he highlights the significance of Western ideas, such as the belief in free will, the pursuit of knowledge, and the notion of a rational universe governed by discoverable rules. Stark takes readers on a captivating journey from ancient Greece to the present, challenging established views of Western history. He argues that the fall of Rome was crucial for the rise of Western civilization, the so-called Dark Ages never occurred, and the Crusades were not merely about loot or unprovoked aggression. He also contends that there was no true Scientific Revolution in the seventeenth century and emphasizes the importance of key battles, such as Marathon, in shaping Western thought. Stark debunks recent myths suggesting that Western culture was borrowed from Africa or that its wealth stemmed from exploitation of non-Western societies. He critiques materialist explanations for the West's rise, asserting that the distinctiveness of Western civilization deserves recognition. This insightful book invites readers to reconsider their understanding of the West's unique contributions to modernity.