Joel Mokyr

In this discussion, Joel Mokyr, a Northwestern professor specializing in economic history and technological innovation, delves into the roots of the Industrial Revolution and its similarities to today's tech advancements. He highlights how a competitive marketplace of ideas fueled historical progress, emphasizing the importance of skepticism and communication. Mokyr draws intriguing parallels between the Republic of Letters and today's digital networks, advocating for interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle major challenges like climate change, while warning against the stagnation that can arise from resisting innovation.