--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The Black Death is a vivid example of a…" description: "\"“The Black Death is a vivid example of a critical juncture, a major event or confluence of factors disrupting the existing economic or political balanc..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1da/daron-acemo-lu-4415_eastern-europe_the-black-death-is-a-vivid-example-of-a_1771643.jpg" --- # The Black Death is a vivid example of a critical juncture… ![“The Black Death is a vivid example of a critical juncture, a major event or confluence of factors disrupting the existing economic or political balance in society. A critical juncture is a double-edged sword that can cause a sharp turn in the trajectory of a nation. On the one hand it can open the…” quote by Daron Acemoğlu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1da/daron-acemo-lu-4415_eastern-europe_the-black-death-is-a-vivid-example-of-a_1771643.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1da/daron-acemo-lu-4415_eastern-europe_the-black-death-is-a-vivid-example-of-a_1771643.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1da/daron-acemo-lu-4415_eastern-europe_the-black-death-is-a-vivid-example-of-a_1771643.jpg) > ““The Black Death is a vivid example of a critical juncture, a major event or confluence of factors disrupting the existing economic or political balance in society. A critical juncture is a double-edged sword that can cause a sharp turn in the trajectory of a nation. On the one hand it can open the way for breaking the cycle of extractive institutions and enable more inclusive ones to emerge, as in England. Or it can intensify the emergence of extractive institutions, as was the case with the Second Serfdom in Eastern Europe. Understanding how history and critical junctures shape the path of economic and political institutions enables us to have a more complete theory of the origins of differences in poverty and prosperity. In addition, it enables us to account for the lay of the land today and why some nations make the transition to inclusive economic and political institutions while others do not. T”” [Daron Acemoğlu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daron-acemo-lu/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Critical junctures are pivotal moments that can redirect a society toward inclusive or extractive institutions, shaping long‑term prosperity. **In simple terms:** Key moments can change a country’s future direction. Key Takeaway Identify and act on pivotal opportunities. Themes history politics economics institutional change Mood analytical thoughtful Type theoretical academic When to use this quote - policy reform - development planning - education reform - social movements Key Concepts path dependence institutional theory critical juncture Questions to Reflect On - What current events could become critical junctures? - How can societies steer toward inclusivity? A Different Perspective Predicting outcomes is uncertain; outcomes depend on many variables. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Black death](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/black-death/) [Breaking The Cycle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/breaking-the-cycle-225668/) [Critical Juncture](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/critical-juncture-1785341/) [Critical Junctures](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/critical-junctures-1785342/) [Eastern europe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/eastern-europe/) [Example Critical](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/example-critical-1785343/) [History Critical](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/history-critical-602199/) [Juncture](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/juncture/) [Poverty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/poverty/) ## Related quotes > [The press is critical at this time, and if you look at history, this is so critical.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/barbara-boxer/the-press-is-critical-at-this-time-and-if-you-look-at-history-this-is/) [Barbara Boxer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barbara-boxer/) > [Given that religious faith is an intrinsic element of human experience, it is best to approach and engage the subject with a sense of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jon-meacham/given-that-religious-faith-is-an-intrinsic-element-of-human/) [Jon Meacham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jon-meacham/) > [Politics can be relatively fair in the breathing spaces of history; at its critical turning points there is no other rule possible than the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arthur-koestler/politics-can-be-relatively-fair-in-the-breathing-spaces-of-history-at/) [Arthur Koestler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arthur-koestler/) > [I am honored to be able to serve GM at this critical juncture and take part in its reinvention.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-whitacre-jr/i-am-honored-to-be-able-to-serve-gm-at-this-critical-juncture-and/) [Edward Whitacre, Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-whitacre-jr/) > [“This is a critical juncture in our history. Many young people of color in economically underdeveloped communities are becoming deeply rooted in personal and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/this-is-a-critical-juncture-in-our-history-many-young-people-of-color/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The United States is at a critical juncture in time. Our government is riddled with historic debt, and the limited resources of philanthropic and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/simon-mainwaring/the-united-states-is-at-a-critical-juncture-in-time-our-government-is/) [Simon Mainwaring](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simon-mainwaring/) > [The truth is that we're at a critical juncture in the history of our species and if we don't act soon, we could inhabit…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/al-gore/the-truth-is-that-we-re-at-a-critical-juncture-in-the-history-of-our/) [Al Gore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/al-gore/) > [“The synergies between extractive economic and political institutions create a vicious circle, where extractive institutions, once in place, tend to persist. Similarly, there is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daron-acemo-lu/the-synergies-between-extractive-economic-and-political-institutions/) [Daron Acemoğlu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daron-acemo-lu/) > [Today, we are closer to fulfilling America's promise of economic and social justice because we stand on the shoulders of giants like Dr. King,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/barack-obama/today-we-are-closer-to-fulfilling-america-s-promise-of-economic-and/) [Barack Obama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barack-obama/) > [Breaking the cycle takes time. Be Patient and Gentle with yourself. Set long term goals. And be persistent! Remember to Stretch, Laugh and be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sathya-sai-baba/breaking-the-cycle-takes-time-be-patient-and-gentle-with-yourself-set/) [Sathya Sai Baba](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sathya-sai-baba/) > [“We speak in hushed voices, so as not to wake our memories, the things we've done, the things we'll continue to do, for fear…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-grayson/we-speak-in-hushed-voices-so-as-not-to-wake-our-memories-the-things/) [Daniel Grayson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-grayson/) > [“You can’t eat coconut without breaking its shell; you can’t succeed without breaking the cycle of failure.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vinita-kinra/you-can-t-eat-coconut-without-breaking-its-shell-you-can-t-succeed/) [Vinita Kinra](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vinita-kinra/) > [“My single greatest achievement was in breaking the cycle of abuse. As a mother I make sure to tell my children every day how…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/miranda-gargasz/my-single-greatest-achievement-was-in-breaking-the-cycle-of-abuse-as/) [Miranda Gargasz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/miranda-gargasz/) > [The magic is in the breaking the cycle of response by observing something in nature, something a close to you as your breath.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-magic-is-in-the-breaking-the-cycle-of-response-by-observing/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Forgiveness is the key to breaking the cycle of karma and reincarnation. Forgiveness doesn't mean: "What you did was okay." It simply means, "I'm…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/doreen-virtue/forgiveness-is-the-key-to-breaking-the-cycle-of-karma-and/) [Doreen Virtue](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/doreen-virtue/) ## More by Daron Acemoğlu > [“AUSTRALIA, LIKE THE UNITED STATES, experienced a different path to inclusive institutions than the one taken by England. The same revolutions that shook England…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daron-acemo-lu/australia-like-the-united-states-experienced-a-different-path-to/) [Daron Acemoğlu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daron-acemo-lu/) > [“As such, the usual pattern of interaction between a critical juncture and existing institutional differences leading to further institutional and economic divergence played out…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daron-acemo-lu/as-such-the-usual-pattern-of-interaction-between-a-critical-juncture/) [Daron Acemoğlu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daron-acemo-lu/) > [“Lack of creative destruction and innovation is not the only reason why there are severe limits to growth under extractive institutions. The history of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daron-acemo-lu/lack-of-creative-destruction-and-innovation-is-not-the-only-reason/) [Daron Acemoğlu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daron-acemo-lu/) > [“As with France, an important consequence of the British Industrial Revolution for China and Japan was military vulnerability. China was humbled by British sea…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daron-acemo-lu/as-with-france-an-important-consequence-of-the-british-industrial/) [Daron Acemoğlu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daron-acemo-lu/) > [“Though the extractive institutions that the Mayas created produced sufficient wealth for the cities to flourish and the elite to become wealthy and generate…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daron-acemo-lu/though-the-extractive-institutions-that-the-mayas-created-produced/) [Daron Acemoğlu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daron-acemo-lu/) > [“THERE ARE HUGE DIFFERENCES in living standards around the world. Even the poorest citizens of the United States have incomes and access to health…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daron-acemo-lu/there-are-huge-differences-in-living-standards-around-the-world-even/) [Daron Acemoğlu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daron-acemo-lu/) > [“The Maya’s economy was based on extensive occupational specialization, with skilled potters, weavers, woodworkers, and tool and ornament makers. They also traded obsidian, jaguar…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daron-acemo-lu/the-maya-s-economy-was-based-on-extensive-occupational-specialization/) [Daron Acemoğlu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daron-acemo-lu/) > [“In the same way, current Chinese growth has nothing to do with Chinese values or changes in Chinese culture; it results from a process…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daron-acemo-lu/in-the-same-way-current-chinese-growth-has-nothing-to-do-with-chinese/) [Daron Acemoğlu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daron-acemo-lu/) > [“NATIONS FAIL TODAY because their extractive economic institutions do not create the incentives needed for people to save, invest, and innovate. Extractive political institutions…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daron-acemo-lu/nations-fail-today-because-their-extractive-economic-institutions-do/) [Daron Acemoğlu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daron-acemo-lu/) > [“The geography hypothesis claims that the great divide between rich and poor countries is created by geographical differences. Many poor countries, such as those…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daron-acemo-lu/the-geography-hypothesis-claims-that-the-great-divide-between-rich/) [Daron Acemoğlu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daron-acemo-lu/) > [“Politics is the process by which a society chooses the rules that will govern it.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daron-acemo-lu/politics-is-the-process-by-which-a-society-chooses-the-rules-that/) [Daron Acemoğlu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daron-acemo-lu/) > [“The pattern of vicious circle depicted by the transition between Haile Selassie and Mengistu, or between the British colonial governors of Sierra Leone and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daron-acemo-lu/the-pattern-of-vicious-circle-depicted-by-the-transition-between/) [Daron Acemoğlu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daron-acemo-lu/) > [“NATIONS FAIL TODAY because their extractive economic institutions do not create the incentives needed for people to save, invest, and innovate. Extractive political institutions…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daron-acemo-lu/nations-fail-today-because-their-extractive-economic-institutions-do-2/) [Daron Acemoğlu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daron-acemo-lu/) > [Inclusive economic institutions require secure property rights and economic opportunities not just for the elite but for a broad cross-section of society.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daron-acemo-lu/inclusive-economic-institutions-require-secure-property-rights-and/) [Daron Acemoglu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daron-acemo-lu/) > [“Inequality in the modern world largely results from the uneven dissemination and adoption of technologies,”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daron-acemo-lu/inequality-in-the-modern-world-largely-results-from-the-uneven/) [Daron Acemoğlu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daron-acemo-lu/) [Explore all 107 Daron Acemoğlu quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daron-acemo-lu/) ## More Black death quotes > [When I say forever,' Koschei whispered, 'I mean until the black death of the world. An Ivan means just the present moment, the flickering…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/catherynne-m-valente/when-i-say-forever-koschei-whispered-i-mean-until-the-black-death-of/) [Catherynne M. Valente](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/catherynne-m-valente/) > [ “\[According to 1348 theorists, poisoning of Christian water by Jews was the cause of Black Death.\] Even the poison used to contaminate the Christian… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-kelly/according-to-1348-theorists-poisoning-of-christian-water-by-jews-was/) [John Kelly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-kelly/) > [We are all bound thither; we are hastening to the same common goal. Black death calls all things under the sway of its laws.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ovid/we-are-all-bound-thither-we-are-hastening-to-the-same-common-goal/) [Ovid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ovid/) > [“After the Black Death in the mid-1300s, the persecution of Jews intensified, and many Jews in Europe moved farther east. Some left because life…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/phyllis-goldstein/after-the-black-death-in-the-mid-1300s-the-persecution-of-jews/) [Phyllis Goldstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/phyllis-goldstein/) > [We need to have a modicum of faith in people's common sense, creativity and will to survive and prosper even in the face of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-higgs/we-need-to-have-a-modicum-of-faith-in-people-s-common-sense/) [Robert Higgs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-higgs/) > [“Even more than black death he dreaded the gaudy gate: the mask of sweet red rubber, the violet overhead lights, the rattling ride through…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/adam-begley/even-more-than-black-death-he-dreaded-the-gaudy-gate-the-mask-of/) [Adam Begley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adam-begley/) > [Ring around the rosie. A pocket full of posie. Ashes ashes, we all fall down. Some people say that this poem is about the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/scott-westerfeld/ring-around-the-rosie-a-pocket-full-of-posie-ashes-ashes-we-all-fall/) [Scott Westerfeld](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/scott-westerfeld/) > [“Oh, such a shame, such a shame. Oh, such a shame. What’s it all about anyhow?” “I’ve wondered for a long time.” “But why…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/f-scott-fitzgerald/oh-such-a-shame-such-a-shame-oh-such-a-shame-what-s-it-all-about/) [F. Scott Fitzgerald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/f-scott-fitzgerald/) > [I bet it was pretty hard to pick up girls if you had the Black Death.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/i-bet-it-was-pretty-hard-to-pick-up-girls-if-you-had-the-black-death/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [If a Black Death could be spread throughout the world once in every generation survivors could procreate freely without making the world too full.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bertrand-russell/if-a-black-death-could-be-spread-throughout-the-world-once-in-every/) [Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bertrand-russell/) > [“It was the greatest tidal wave of death since the Black Death, perhaps in the whole of human history.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laura-spinney/it-was-the-greatest-tidal-wave-of-death-since-the-black-death-perhaps/) [Laura Spinney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laura-spinney/) > [“Accounts from Europe indicate that the danse macabre took another form, inspired by the Black Death, rather like our children's rhyme 'Ring o' Ring…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/catharine-arnold/accounts-from-europe-indicate-that-the-danse-macabre-took-another/) [Catharine Arnold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/catharine-arnold/) > [“In October 1347, several trading ships from Genoa, Italy, pulled into the harbor at Messina in Sicily. Everyone aboard those ships was dead or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/phyllis-goldstein/in-october-1347-several-trading-ships-from-genoa-italy-pulled-into/) [Phyllis Goldstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/phyllis-goldstein/) > [I have made my bed In charnels and on coffins, where black death Keeps record of the trophies won](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/percy-bysshe-shelley/i-have-made-my-bed-in-charnels-and-on-coffins-where-black-death-keeps/) [Percy Bysshe Shelley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/percy-bysshe-shelley/) > [Even though we know the origin of diseases, panic sweeps. It's one thing that frightens us, because it's your health and your body -…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kimberley-nixon/even-though-we-know-the-origin-of-diseases-panic-sweeps-it-s-one/) [Kimberley Nixon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kimberley-nixon/) [Browse all 53 Black death quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/black-death/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“The Black Death is a vivid example of a critical juncture, a major event or confluence of factors disrupting the existing economic or political balance in society. A critical juncture is a double-edged sword that can cause a sharp turn in the trajectory of a nation. On the one hand it can open the way for breaking the cycle of extractive institutions and enable more inclusive ones to emerge, as in England. Or it can intensify the emergence of extractive institutions, as was the case with the Second Serfdom in Eastern Europe. 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