In "How the World Became Rich", co-authors Dr. Jared Rubin and Mark Koyama examined many theories for the rise of capitalism and economic prosperity. Among the many theories, historical events and developments they analyzed, the spread of the printing press stands out as a particularly illuminating example of how humanity progressed—or was held back.
In Western Europe, religious authorities lacked the power to prevent its spread, while in Islamic regions, religious institutions wielded enough influence to prohibit its use. This divergence created a fascinating 250-year "laboratory" where we can observe the stark contrast in development between these two regions.
In this clip from my interview with Dr. Jared Rubin, he discusses the specifics of this historical divergence. He explains that by the 15th century, religious legitimacy had weakened in Europe, allowing for the rapid spread of the printing press after its invention by Gutenberg around 1450. In contrast, the Ottoman Empire, upon learning of the technology by 1485, promptly banned printing in Arabic script— a prohibition that lasted until 1727.
Dr. Rubin attributes this difference to the varying levels of religious authority in these regions. In the Middle East, Islamic clerics still held significant political power and viewed the printing press as a threat to their monopoly on intellectual and religious interpretation. The Ottoman Sultan, reliant on clerical support, enforced this ban to maintain the existing power structure.
The long-term implications of these differing approaches were profound. By 1700, literacy rates in parts of Europe had surpassed 50%, particularly in urban areas. This increase in literacy proved crucial during the Industrial Revolution, facilitating the spread of technical knowledge and innovation. Furthermore, the printing press played a pivotal role in enabling the Protestant Reformation, which reshaped the political landscape in Europe and empowered secular authorities and economic elites.
If you’d like to learn more about the drivers of economic growth over the past 275 years, see my previous essay (HERE) or watch the full-length interview here.