The text discusses how certain negative concepts like witch-burning or communism are rarely associated with Western culture, even though they could equally be considered products of Judaeo-Christian influences, just like capitalism. It emphasizes the contrast between culture and institutions, noting that while culture shapes norms, the institutions fundamentally determine incentives for behavior.

Niall Ferguson, in his book "The Great Degeneration," illustrates this by comparing British behavior in two different contexts: those who emigrated to New England, where they operated under inclusive institutions, versus those working for the East India Company in Bengal, which fostered extractive institutions. This comparison highlights how the same cultural background can lead to vastly different societal outcomes based on institutional frameworks.