How Britain’s cultural revolution transformed the world

For thousands of years, the average person lived a short, poverty-riddled existence. Then, in 18th century Britain, living conditions improved beyond all measure. Seán Keyes explains how a simple shift in attitudes changed the world.

For the ordinary person, life didn't change a jot from pre-history to around 1800.

It didn't matter whether you were born in bucolic 17th century England or a Stone Age cave. Your lot in life would be hardscrabble toil, a cramped dirt-floor home and a swift death at the age of around 30. It would be the same life as your grandparents and your grandchildren.

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Sean Keys graduated from Trinity College, Dublin with a BA in economics and political science and, in 2009, from University College Dublin with an MA in economics. His MA thesis was on the likely effects of deficient eurozone governance structures.