This quote from Matt Ridley's The Evolution of Everything: How New Ideas Emerge invites a nuanced examination of the relationship between economic development and social behavior. At first glance, it suggests a positive correlation between wealth, market orientation, and the niceness of people. This idea challenges some commonly held assumptions that economic progress may breed selfishness or moral decay.

From an evolutionary and sociological perspective, increased wealth and market activity could foster cooperation, trust, and social norms that encourage kindness. Societies that rely on markets must often depend on reputation, reciprocal exchanges, and communicative trust, all of which may incentivize people to behave more considerately. As markets expand, individual interests become more interconnected, potentially promoting empathy and courteous behavior because people regularly engage with others not just locally but through vast networks.

However, the assertion does warrant further scrutiny. The definition of "nicer" is subjective and could vary based on cultural ideals and metrics of behavior. Moreover, economic inequalities within richer societies sometimes increase, which can lead to social tension, alienation, or antisocial behavior among some groups. It is worth considering that while market-oriented wealth might encourage polite and cooperative interactions in many contexts, complex social challenges coexist with that progress.

Overall, this quote inspires reflection on the complexity of societal evolution. It prompts us to think about how economic systems influence human behavior and ethical norms, suggesting that markets do not merely generate wealth but potentially nurture social virtues as well. It opens pathways for exploring how ideas and structures emerge and interplay for human flourishing.