The Roots of Progress

A Culture of Growth

The Origins of the Modern Economy

Joel Mokyr

How the Enlightenment, between about 1500 and 1700, set the stage for the Industrial Revolution. Special attention is given to Francis Bacon and Isaac Newton. For a summary, see Mokyr’s article in The Atlantic,Progress Isn’t Natural.” (This book was pivotal in the launch of this project.)

I had to skim many chapters of this book, especially in the beginning. However, I found its key ideas absolutely fascinating. Highly recommended.

Relevant posts

The idea of progress

The Baconian program

The virtuousness of technology

Religious freedom and the Enlightenment

Get the book

Amazon (affiliate link), WorldCat

Other books by Joel Mokyr

The Gifts of Athena