[LS]

Hanson is not only brilliant, but he hangs out in seminars with Jack Goldstone, one of the few sociologists I can stomach. Goldstone has an incredible article I require in my classes called "Cultural Orthodoxy, Risk, and Innovation." He argues that western traditions of competition, property rights, willingness to take risk via acceptance of failure, religious toleration and individual rights all made the West rich. It's a complex piece, but very powerful and when you combine it with VDH, you pretty much have the explanation for why the West kicks butt.

[Red Boots]

Goldstone has an incredible article I require in my classes called "Cultural Orthodoxy, Risk, and Innovation

Thanks for that reference. I'm going to read it and probably require it in my homeschool highschool.