Margaret Jacob

Enlightened Entrepreneurialism is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Margaret Jacob, Distinguished Professor of History at UCLA. Topics examined include Margaret Jacob’s motivations to become a historian and her comprehensive analysis of the history of the Industrial Revolution and interpretation of the major economic motivations on the ground, comparing daily life experiences in England, France, Belgium and the Netherlands.

This conversations highlights how a sophisticated understanding of the past naturally involves a composite approach that marries economic motivations with associated cultural factors of educational trends, religious influences and scientific and technological awareness, and more.

This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Measuring Motivations, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:

1. Historical Origins – Rebel-turned scholar
2. Decrypting Newton – From physics to theology
3. Beyond the Numbers – Searching for causes   
4. Apprenticeship – Pivotal time to develop
5. Religion and Geography – Unitarianism and other factors
6. Theory vs. Practice – France’s surprising underdevelopment
7. Lessons Learned? – Towards cultivating the innovative spirit
8. History Today? – Reflections on research and teaching
9. Past and Future – New books and bizarre faucets
10. Righting Wrongs, Slowly – Gender discrimination in the academy

“Ideas Roadshow took the body of my work and made it understandable and interesting! The program will work with any student and interested reader of history. Bravo!” —Margaret Jacob

Margaret Jacob is is also featured in 2 Ideas Roadshow documentary-style films together with several other renowned researchers. Available on Ideas Roadshow digital resource platforms, Boclips and Kanopy.