The Cultural Shift Toward Measurement in England's Bourgeois Era
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Chapter 1: Measurement and the Elizabethan Mindset
In this chapter, Dr. McCloskey delves into the cultural attitudes of Elizabethan England, illustrating that this society largely neglected the concept of measurement—a key factor that contributed to the Great Enrichment of the 18th century. By measurement, she refers to precise counting practices, which are integral to various fields such as economics, accounting, and data visualization.
"One piece of evidence she provides is that arithmetic was not a requirement at Harvard College until 1803, despite the longstanding requirement for proficiency in Latin and Greek." (p. 320)
Section 1.1: The Concept of Numeracy
McCloskey argues that it is challenging for contemporary individuals to envision a time when business activities were not meticulously counted. The practice of counting has become second nature in our bourgeois lives, reflected in both personal and public discourse. While we might chuckle at exaggerated claims, this societal emphasis on quantification was not always the case. Counting had to be conceptualized both as a method and as an attitude.
Subsection 1.1.1: Historical Context of Numeracy
Before the mercantilism that preceded the industrialization of the Great Enrichment, the society did not require numeracy in the way we understand it now. However, this lack of mathematical skills should not be mistaken for a lack of intelligence.
"We must not confuse the absence of widespread arithmetic skills in earlier times with ignorance. Recent neuropsychological studies indicate that even without formal education, people possess an innate sense of quantity." (p. 323)
Section 1.2: The Role of the Bourgeois Merchant Class
McCloskey highlights that before the rise of the bourgeois merchant class, there was little demand for detailed accounting. While some level of counting existed in larger organizations or for taxation purposes, most individuals lived in smaller communities where precise accounting was unnecessary.
Chapter 2: The Cultural Resistance to Calculation
The video titled "Yoann Bourgeois Captivates Audience with Powerful Performance About Life" explores themes of existence and societal norms. This performance highlights how cultural narratives shape our understanding of measurement and value.
The disdain for calculation among the aristocracy serves as a significant barrier to the acceptance of numeracy. They viewed calculations as a trait of the bourgeoisie, which they derided. Additionally, the continued use of Roman numerals instead of the more straightforward Arabic numerals hampered progress in numerical literacy.
"Peter Wardley’s historical survey revealed that by 1610, commercial Bristol had hardly any probate inventories using Arabic numerals, but by 1670, this had changed dramatically." (p. 322)
The Bourgeois Need for Precision
Ultimately, McCloskey argues that while bookkeeping existed when necessary, it was not a prevalent way of life for most people. Numeracy was primarily advanced among the bourgeois, who required it for daily living. The Dutch, in particular, were pioneers in quantitative thinking as early as 1600.
As the merchant class expanded in England, so too did the appreciation for calculation and measurement. This cultural shift towards valuing bourgeois virtues, including numeracy, was essential for the eventual Great Enrichment.
"Prudence, one of the seven virtues discussed earlier, is inherently linked to calculation. As bourgeois values rose, so too did the significance of measurement." (p. 323)
Reference: McCloskey, Deirdre Nansen, 2016. “Aristocratic England, For Example, Scorned Measurement” Chapter 34 of Bourgeois Equality, The University of Chicago Press.