Mokyr Discusses European and Chinese Technological Divergence in Conversation
7 reported
In a recent conversation, economist Joel Mokyr discussed the historical divergence in technology and living standards between Europe and China. Mokyr expressed skepticism about measurements showing Chinese living standards comparable to the West as late as 1750, arguing that the technological gap became visible during the Renaissance. He noted that Europeans borrowed ideas from China and imported goods like Chinaware and cotton, eventually matching Chinese capabilities. Mokyr highlighted that Europeans were agents of global change, introducing crops like potatoes and corn to China, while Chinese were not similarly proactive. He pointed to the First Opium War as evidence of a huge technological gap, with one English ship defeating the Chinese empire. Mokyr also cited research showing almost no Chinese innovation after 1400, with earlier technologies like sophisticated clocks disappearing.
What’s reported
Mokyr is skeptical about measurements showing Chinese living standards comparable to the West as late as 1750.
He argues the technological gap between Europe and China became visible during the Renaissance.
Europeans borrowed ideas from China and imported goods like Chinaware and cotton.
Europeans introduced crops like potatoes, corn, peanuts, and sweet potatoes to China.
Mokyr cited the First Opium War as showing a huge technological gap, with one English ship defeating the Chinese empire.
Research on Joseph Needham’s volumes found almost no Chinese innovation after 1400.
Mokyr’s recent book is "Two Paths to Prosperity: Culture and Institutions in Europe and China, 1000–2000," with Greif and Tabellini.
Key figures
Joel Mokyr, economist and author
Tyler Cowen, conversation host
Joseph Needham, referenced for his work on Chinese technology and science
Sources: marginalrevolution.com
