But unlike naïve Marxians, we do not believe that economic interests alone drive change. Change is often affected by the evolution of ideas, and particularly of overarching beliefs.54 Once the Enlightenment notion that "all men are created equal" was accepted {however that idea came to be accepted, whatever the drivers}, it was no surprise that it evolved in directions that brought within its ambit women and slaves. Given these beliefs, it would be hard to preserve the slavery system, in spite of the economic interests in preserving slavery-and even though motivated interests may have played a role in the creation and spread of the racial "construct" in the first place.55 The uber-ideology of the Enlightenment-the questioning of authority and the belief in meritocracy, the notion that change is possible and desirable, the respect extended to science and technology-have created preconditions that are favorable to the creation of a learning society and to learning institutions {firms}
( Joseph E. Stiglitz )
[ Creating a Learning Society: A ]
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