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Enlightenment Ideals and Belief in Progress in the Run-up to the Industrial Revolution: A Textual Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Almelhem, Ali

    (World Bank)

  • Iyigun, Murat

    (University of Colorado, Boulder)

  • Kennedy, Austin

    (University of Colorado, Boulder)

  • Rubin, Jared

    (Chapman University)

Abstract

Using textual analysis of 173,031 works printed in England between 1500 and 1900, we test whether British culture evolved to manifest a heightened belief in progress associated with science and industry. Our analysis yields three main findings. First, there was a separation in the language of science and religion beginning in the 17th century. Second, scientific volumes became more progress-oriented during the Enlightenment. Third, industrial works—especially those at the science-political economy nexus—were more progress-oriented beginning in the 17th century. It was therefore the more pragmatic, industrial works which reflected the cultural values cited as important for Britain's takeoff.

Suggested Citation

  • Almelhem, Ali & Iyigun, Murat & Kennedy, Austin & Rubin, Jared, 2023. "Enlightenment Ideals and Belief in Progress in the Run-up to the Industrial Revolution: A Textual Analysis," IZA Discussion Papers 16674, IZA Network @ LISER.
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp16674
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Joel Mokyr, 2016. "A Culture of Growth: The Origins of the Modern Economy," Economics Books, Princeton University Press, edition 1, number 10835, December.
    2. Enrico Spolaore & Romain Wacziarg, 2013. "How Deep Are the Roots of Economic Development?," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 51(2), pages 325-369, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Julius Koschnick, 2025. "Did a feedback mechanism between propositional and prescriptive knowledge create modern growth?," Papers 2512.16587, arXiv.org.
    2. David de la Croix & Rossana Scebba & Chiara Zanardello, 2026. "Flora, Cosmos, Salvatio: Pre-modern Academic Institutions and the Spread of Ideas," LIDAM Discussion Papers IRES 2026008, Université catholique de Louvain, Institut de Recherches Economiques et Sociales (IRES).

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C81 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Methodology for Collecting, Estimating, and Organizing Microeconomic Data; Data Access
    • C88 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Other Computer Software
    • N33 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Europe: Pre-1913
    • N63 - Economic History - - Manufacturing and Construction - - - Europe: Pre-1913
    • O14 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Industrialization; Manufacturing and Service Industries; Choice of Technology
    • Z11 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economics of the Arts and Literature

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