Reddit mentions of How We Got to Now: Six Innovations That Made the Modern World

In How We Got to Now, Johnson describes the connection between the printing press, glass-wearing, and developments in glass technologies that eventually led to astronomy and fiber optic networks.

You're absolutely right in that competition undoubtedly drives innovation. That is one factor that affects the pace of progress. However, we shouldn't discount the creative potential of benevolent monarchs simply because the idea of totalitarianism doesn't sit well with modern democratic westerners.

History has been filled with terrible dictators, of course, but there are also a number of notable "philosopher kings" (as described by Plato), who achieved great feats as a result of having absolute control over vast resources and populations. Sejong the Great, Hadrian Augustus, and Süleyman the Magnificent all come to mind.

EDIT: What I mean to say is that in the right hands, a vast and powerful empire can push the boundaries of science, art, architecture, human rights, etc much further than any individual can through their personal achievements. Unfortunately history is mostly defined by conquerors. Napoleon and Hitler were most certainly NOT philosopher kings, but perhaps one would have succeeded them.... Or perhaps not and we would all be living under an oppressive authoritarian rule. There's no way to tell.

> Then again, one of the most important things in advancing science in Europe was really good Venetian glass...

Ah yes! I too, have read "How We Got to Now".

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There's a good explanation in chapter 5 of How We Got to Now: Six Innovations That Made the Modern World

How We Got to Now

https://www.amazon.com/How-We-Got-Now-Innovations/dp/1594633932

It also really reminds me of Steven Johnson's

How We Got to Now: Six Innovations That Made the Modern World