Seonglae ChoWestern civilization was able to advance not because it was universal, but because it was unique. With a favorable climate that didn't require air conditioning or heated floors, and without typhoons, coastal cities developed and promoted commerce. As a result, coastal areas were preferred since ancient times, with many port cities being built along the sea, whereas China regarded coastal regions as pirate havens and neglected them.
The Mediterranean climate is rare worldwide, with consistent rainfall throughout the year and no heavy downpours. Europe has the largest area of stable western maritime climate on the western side of the continent, with no floods or droughts. While the yield per unit area is lower, wheat which grows in cooler places and requires less labor than rice, was the preferred crop. This allowed surplus labor to be directed toward raising livestock, as the climate was perfect for growing grass. This stable supply of necessities enabled many ways to make a living without farming, and cities developed strong self-governance.
Even the Black Death, which emerged as a threat, ultimately increased the value and rights of each individual, leading to the rise of the citizen class. The Industrial Revolution began with water wheels in England, which was possible because river flow remained constant throughout the year. In summary, while regions outside Europe focused on how to overcome and endure nature, Europeans concentrated on how to utilize the predictable patterns of nature, which determined the direction of their culture. With fewer unpredictable natural disasters, they could imagine universal laws governing the world, developing natural science, mathematics, and logic earlier than shamanism or rain rituals.
Europe Nations
Europe Notion
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