After stating ideas commonly explored in the development of European civilization, the growth of European industries, technology innovation, the agriculture and textile trade, and the economic freedom of European merchants, we must now discuss what ultimately led to all of these advancements. The main origins of Western, mainly American and European, belief systems are largely derived from that of the Greek philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. These philosophers' ideas generated individualized and democratic thinking which is the basis of the West’s emphasis on economic development to improve citizens’ life. While Chinese ideology during this time was highly conservative, limiting their ability to improve Chinese innovations during this time and their ability to participate in a competitive world.
In contrast to Western thinking, the Chinese have a widely divergent train of thought …show more content…
He argues that during this time Europe was fragmented, so there was no single political power to limit the development of European culture. European states were constantly competing with each other, so European rulers sought to develop a uniquely dynamic culture in which they made decisions that benefited subjects: "Fragmentation gave rise to competition, and competition favored good care of good subjects" (36). Landes contrasts a fragmented and progressive Europe with a static Asia ruled by despotic emperors who exploited subjects for their own benefit. The Chinese were constricted to this unitary form of thinking which did not allow for divergence from their cultural norm; while European fragmentation cause competition that formed a dynamic European culture. In contrast to the Eastern culture, the Europeans were more willing to experiment with technology, more scientific, more driven by the acquisition of profit, and fundamentally more willing to experiment and try out new
In contrast to Western thinking, the Chinese have a widely divergent train of thought …show more content…
He argues that during this time Europe was fragmented, so there was no single political power to limit the development of European culture. European states were constantly competing with each other, so European rulers sought to develop a uniquely dynamic culture in which they made decisions that benefited subjects: "Fragmentation gave rise to competition, and competition favored good care of good subjects" (36). Landes contrasts a fragmented and progressive Europe with a static Asia ruled by despotic emperors who exploited subjects for their own benefit. The Chinese were constricted to this unitary form of thinking which did not allow for divergence from their cultural norm; while European fragmentation cause competition that formed a dynamic European culture. In contrast to the Eastern culture, the Europeans were more willing to experiment with technology, more scientific, more driven by the acquisition of profit, and fundamentally more willing to experiment and try out new