Mq - English culture is the first and most important...
I have always thought that one of the most important things explaining the relative wealth of "English" (i.e., American, British, NZ, OZ, Canuck) countries was the Magna Carta. Once the King became a servant of the people and not the other way 'round, the English moved out of feudal society. So basically, it took six or seven hundred years to move from feudalism to capitalism. So are we surprised when, say, Zimbabwe can't make it out of feudal society?
What amazes me are the Chinese. They seem to managing the change from feudalism (latest manifestation as communism) to capitalism in a few generations. It seems to me that countries where the people still serve the King (Africa, Middle East, parts of Asia and South America, Chaostan) will have to wait for their Magna Carta before they share in the wealth. George le Roi wants to help, but unfortunately this change needs to be from within, not imposed by Gunboat Diplomacy.
Hope your summer is well - we are -35C here, daytime high!
HA |
