Book · 2025 · Business & Economics
Two Paths to Prosperity
Culture and Institutions in Europe and China, 1000–2000
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He has a wonderful new book out called Two Paths to Prosperity: Culture and Institutions in Europe and China, 1000–2000.
Tyler Cowen · Conversations with Tyler · Jul 2026 Listen at 0:09 Why people recommend it
Two Paths to Prosperity by Avner Greif, Joel Mokyr, and Guido Tabellini is an academic study comparing the historical economic developments and institutional trajectories of Europe and China between the years 1000 and 2000. Tyler Cowen discussed this work on Conversations with Tyler, introducing Joel Mokyr at the beginning of the interview by praising the wonderful new book and returning to it at the conclusion to express his admiration for the comparative study between Europe and China co-authored by Greif, Tabellini, and Mokyr. Separately, on Freakonomics Radio, Stephen Dubner spoke with Joel Mokyr about his broader body of work on the crucial role of culture in economic progress. Dubner noted that when he first encountered Mokyr's research, he immediately compared it in his own mind to the theories of Daron Acemoglu and Jim Robinson, who famously argue that formal institutions serve as the primary engine driving historical economic growth and national prosperity. Through these podcast appearances, the book and its underlying themes regarding culture, institutions, and long-term economic divergence across different global civilizations received notable critical engagement from prominent economics commentators.
Every mention
Tyler Cowen He has a wonderful new book out called Two Paths to Prosperity: Culture and Institutions in Europe and Chin… 2
“He has a wonderful new book out called Two Paths to Prosperity: Culture and Institutions in Europe and China, 1000–2000”
“Again, I’m a big fan of your new book with Greif and Tabellini, Two Paths to Prosperity, comparing Europe and China.”
Stephen Dubner When I first heard that you won the prize and I read your work about the importance of what you call cultur… 1
“When I first heard that you won the prize and I read your work about the importance of what you call culture in economic progress, I immediately compared it in my mind to the work of Deron Osamoglu and Jim Robinson who argue that institutions are the main driver of progress.”