In 'How the Scots Invented the Modern World', Arthur Herman unveils the profound impact of Scotland on the development of modern civilization. He argues that Scottish thinkers and innovations laid the groundwork for the Enlightenment, democracy, and even capitalism. Through fascinating anecdotes and historical insights, Herman illustrates how a small nation influenced global ideas and progress. Discover the remarkable stories of figures such as Adam Smith and David Hume and their revolutionary contributions to society. This compelling narrative will leave you questioning the origins of modern values and the hidden heroes behind them.
By Arthur Herman
Published: 2002
"The Scots' greatest invention wasn't a product or a tool; it was a way of thinking that transformed the world, merging reason with creativity and embedding the spirit of inquiry at the heart of modernity."
An exciting account of the origins of the modern world Who formed the first literate society? Who invented our modern ideas of democracy and free market capitalism? The Scots. As historian and author Arthur Herman reveals, in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries Scotland made crucial contributions to science, philosophy, literature, education, medicine, commerce, and politics—contributions that have formed and nurtured the modern West ever since. Herman has charted a fascinating journey across the centuries of Scottish history. Here is the untold story of how John Knox and the Church of Scotland laid the foundation for our modern idea of democracy; how the Scottish Enlightenment helped to inspire both the American Revolution and the U.S. Constitution; and how thousands of Scottish immigrants left their homes to create the American frontier, the Australian outback, and the British Empire in India and Hong Kong. How the Scots Invented the Modern World reveals how Scottish genius for creating the basic ideas and institutions of modern life stamped the lives of a series of remarkable historical figures, from James Watt and Adam Smith to Andrew Carnegie and Arthur Conan Doyle, and how Scottish heroes continue to inspire our contemporary culture, from William “Braveheart” Wallace to James Bond. And no one who takes this incredible historical trek will ever view the Scots—or the modern West—in the same way again.
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“The Scots' greatest invention wasn't a product or a tool; it was a way of thinking that transformed the world, merging reason with creativity and embedding the spirit of inquiry at the heart of modernity.”
How the Scots Invented the Modern World
By Arthur Herman
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Arthur Herman is a renowned American author and historian, celebrated for his insightful works that explore the intersections of history, culture, and politics. He is best known for notable books such as "Gandhi & Churchill: The Epic Rivalry That Destroyed an Empire and Forged Our Age," which examines the complex relationship between these two iconic figures, and "How The Scots Invented The Modern World," where he argues that Scottish thinkers played a crucial role in shaping the modern era. Herman's writing style is characterized by its compelling narrative, thorough research, and ability to connect historical events to contemporary issues, making his work accessible to both scholars and general readers alike. His keen analytical skills and engaging prose have established him as a significant voice in modern historical literature.
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