Enlightened Entrepreneurialism

This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Margaret Jacob, Distinguished Professor of History at  UCLA. Topics examined during this extensive conversation include Margaret Jacob’s motivations to become a historian and her comprehensive analysis of the history of the Industrial Revolution and interpretation of the major economic motivations on the ground, comparing daily life experiences in England, France, Belgium and the Netherlands. A sophisticated understanding of the past naturally involves a composite approach that marries economic motivations with associated cultural factors of educational trends, religious influences and scientific and technological awareness, and more.


This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Measuring Motivations, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:


Historical Origins - Rebel-turned scholar

Decrypting Newton - From physics to theology

Beyond the Numbers - Searching for causes   

Apprenticeship - Pivotal time to develop

Religion and Geography - Unitarianism and other factors

Theory vs. Practice - France’s surprising underdevelopment

Lessons Learned? - Towards cultivating the innovative spirit

History Today? - Reflections on research and teaching

Past and Future - New books and bizarre faucets

Righting Wrongs, Slowly - Gender discrimination in the academy




About Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series: 


This book is part of an expanding series of 100+ Ideas Roadshow conversations, each one presenting a wealth of candid insights from a leading expert in a focused yet informal setting to give non-specialists a uniquely accessible window into frontline research and scholarship that wouldn't otherwise be encountered through standard lectures and textbooks. For other books in this series visit our website: https://ideas-on-film.com/ideasroadshow/.