Appealing Quote by Steven Pinker
“Roads, better harnesses for horses, time-keeping devices, financial instruments like a currency that was recognized everywhere in the kingdom, enforceable contracts - all of this made commerce more appealing than plunder.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Better Angels of Our Nature, 2011
Technological and institutional advances made trade more attractive than raiding.
In simple terms: Progress in tools and systems boosted commerce over plunder.
Key Takeaway
Invest in infrastructure to promote peaceful trade.
Themes
economics
technology
history
trade
Mood
optimistic
analytical
Type
explanatory
historical
When to use this quote
- business
- policy
- education
- international relations
Key Concepts
institutional development
network effects
globalization
Questions to Reflect On
- What modern tools can further reduce conflict?
- How ensure trade benefits all parties?
A Different Perspective
Progress can be uneven and exclude marginalized groups.
