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Re:How did Europe become the richest part of the world? by scyzoryk_xyz on Sunday March 20, 2022 @11:23AM (#30743361)
I just wanted to add one cent here to the conversation - European climate is harsher, and this difficulty of survival drives people to cooperate and innovate. That would be a good reason why countries where “food just jumps into your basket” did not outpace Europe. As in my thought here is that technological progress and cooperation isn’t in our human nature by itself. Discomfort could have been a big driver in that case.
Re:How did Europe become the richest part of the world? by user_7832 on Sunday March 20, 2022 @12:23PM (#30744006)
> ...difficulty of survival drives people to cooperate and innovate

I can't comment about then innovation aspect that much, but Bengal (particularly East Bengal, present day Bangladesh) absolutely had/has a huge culture of sharing. People would share meals and socialize even when they themselves were barely able feed themselves (and this was mostly reciprocated). This may be more of generosity than strictly cooperation, but I would say they're quite related.

Source: The stories I've heard from my grandparents (I'm Bengali)

Re:How did Europe become the richest part of the world? by xyzzyz on Sunday March 20, 2022 @12:45PM (#30744227)
Sharing can also be detrimental to general well being, depending on circumstances — what is being shared, by whom, and with whom.

For example, in many non-individualistic societies, if one is to come upon some extra wealth, in manner of for example successful hunt, bountiful harvests, or good government job, one is duty-bound to share that extra wealth with others in their clan or tribe. This disincentives trying hard and increasing productivity: if, through increased labor and investment in fertilizer you can double your yield, but then only get a small fraction of that gain for yourself, why bother trying in the first place? In fact, it might be better investment to obtain higher status in your clan or tribe, so that others will be bound to share more of their wealth with you.

Re:How did Europe become the richest part of the world? by rayiner on Sunday March 20, 2022 @01:05PM (#30744401)
Re:How did Europe become the richest part of the world? by ip26 on Tuesday March 29, 2022 @12:28AM (#30838766)
I speculate about exactly this comparing infrastructure across the US. It seems like the worse the weather, the better the roads & buildings.
Re:How did Europe become the richest part of the world? by gxt on Sunday March 20, 2022 @11:29AM (#30743421)
Exactly, surmontable challenges makes one achieve. When everything is easy, why change?
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Re:How did Europe become the richest part of the world? by Eldt on Sunday March 20, 2022 @11:41AM (#30743574)
I'm seeing some logical leaps here... I suggest asking clarifying questions instead of making strange assumptions.
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Re:How did Europe become the richest part of the world? by AnimalMuppet on Sunday March 20, 2022 @06:41PM (#30747508)
Because the site guidelines call for charitable interpretation. And because most of the rest of us didn't read it that way, so your interpretation is likely to be the one that's off.