It was an epoch-defining decision to place in Westminster Abbey, among statues of monarchs, priests and poets, a large one of James Watt, inventor of the separate-condenser steam engine. The statue`s inscription says Watt ranks among the world`s benefactors because he `increased the power of man.` The economist and historian Deirdre McCloskey believes this honor, conferred in 1834, signified society`s endorsement of the dignity of practical people who apply science for human betterment. The Great Enrichment is McCloskey`s term for what, in a sense, started with steam and has been, she believes, the most important human development since the invention of agriculture 10,000 years ago. The...
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