David Rose has a new essay on the cultural foundations of the idea of “freedom.” This pairs nicely with my own essay on the cultural foundations of the Declaration of Independence.

Most economists ignore culture. But David and I have been collaborating on a theory of culture for some time. More on that in the future. For now, here are a few sentences from David to whet your appetite:

In primitive societies, children quickly learn that when a given circumstance arises, they had better do, or not do, any number of particular things. In this way, behavior becomes automatic. Social behavior takes the form of “If X occurs, then do A.” For example, if someone needs help out of quicksand, then extend your hand.

But increasingly in the West, social behavior became mediated by a different kind of protocol, one that takes the form of “Never do B.” For example, never steal.

This profoundly changed how norms worked. Instead of precisely guiding what people do, norms shifted to guard-railing what they do by telling them what they can’t do. This ultimately led to greater exercise of rational thinking and individuality.