In "A Culture of Growth," esteemed economic historian Joel Mokyr delves deep into the roots of the Industrial Revolution, unraveling the enigma of its inception in Europe and its sustained propulsion of global economic progress. Mokyr's exploration takes us back to the fertile grounds of early modern Europe, where a unique blend of cultural and intellectual ferment laid the groundwork for a series of scientific advancements and pioneering inventions. This book masterfully argues that it was not merely the accumulation of technological know-how but a specific European culture of growth—imbued with the Enlightenment's values of inquiry and rationality—that set the stage for the dramatic technological and economic developments that followed. Through a compelling synthesis of economics, the history of science and technology, and models of cultural evolution, Mokyr presents a captivating narrative that highlights the pivotal role of societal beliefs, values, and preferences in steering the course of history. At the heart of Mokyr's analysis is the period 1500-1700, a time when Europe's political fragmentation fostered a competitive market for ideas unlike anywhere else in the world. This environment, coupled with the rise of the "Republic of Letters," a transnational community of intellectuals, fueled an unparalleled exchange of ideas across borders. Mokyr contrasts this with China's parallel but ultimately stunted intellectual and technological evolution, where a centralized control over ideas stifled the kind of heterodox thinking necessary for breakthrough innovations. "A Culture of Growth" is not just a story of economic development; it is a revelation about the transformative power of ideas and culture in shaping our world. Through its insightful examination of the interplay between cultural attitudes and economic evolution, Mokyr's work offers profound lessons on the conditions that lead to societal prosperity and the continuing relevance of those lessons in understanding the modern economy.