If you’re enjoying freedom and economic prosperity today, take a moment to thank your local Dutchman. As outlined in Pioneers of Capitalism: The Netherlands 1000-1800, much of the modern economic systems that power our contemporary lives have roots in the pioneering spirit of the Dutch.
These Dutch merchants and innovators played a crucial role in shaping the global economy, promoting trade, science, and the values of freedom and entrepreneurship. It’s thanks to them that we live in a world where opportunities and prosperity are within reach for so many.
So next time you sip your coffee or make a transaction, take a moment to remember history. Think of the Dutch who paved the way for the world we live in today. A salute to the pioneers of capitalism!