"Upstream" with Erik Torenberg cover image

E111: Samo Burja & Auren Hoffman on the Decline of Fertility Rates and Institutional Trust

"Upstream" with Erik Torenberg

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The Great Founder Theory: Individuals vs. Collectives

This chapter examines the 'great founder theory', which suggests that extraordinary individuals significantly impact societal progress, contrasting with views that highlight collective forces. The discussion focuses on historical figures like Otto von Bismarck in Germany's unification and key American founders, exploring their roles amidst broader historical trends. It also investigates the implications of industrialization in the U.S., considering how individual actions shaped pivotal events and the nation's development.

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