Part XIII. Creative Language, Creative Destruction, Creative Politics
Why did the North-Sea folk suddenly get so rich, get so much cargo? The answers seems not to be that supply was brought into equilibrium with demand — the curves were moving out at breakneck pace. Reallocation is not the key. Language is, with its inherent creativity. The Bourgeois Revaluation of the 17th and 18th centuries brought on the modern world. It was the Greatest Externality, and the substance of a real liberalism. Left and right have long detested it, expressing their detestation nowadays in environmentalism. They can stop the modern world, and in some places have. The old Soviet Union was admired even by many economists — an instance of a “cultural contradiction of capitalism,” in which ideas permitted by the successes of innovation rise up to kill the innovation. We should resist it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this chapter! Well-done! I suspect that in future works you will investigate the causes of the change in rhetoric. My opinion is that the Dutch strove to implement Christian principles in the organizing of their society. They were aware of the writings of the School of Salamanca because the great Lessius taught them. Monarch had refused to implement those teachings, but in reconstructing their society after so many years of war the Dutch were the first to create the institutions that could instantiate Salamanca ideas.
Written by Roger D. McKinney on December 12th, 2010.Dear Mr. McKinney, That is a very interesting suggestion, which I shall follow up. Lessius, eh? I need education on soooo many fronts!
Written by Deirdre McCloskey on December 12th, 2010.Sincerely,
Deirdre McCloskey