Humanity's Hockey Stick

 If you look at the progress of humanity, it is shaped much like a hockey stick. Since 1800, our prosperity has rapidly shot upwards. Why? No one really knows for sure. One reason might be the surge of inventors and scientists that appeared during the 18th century. Other reasons might be easy access to energy, such as coal, and other resources. Another reason might be changing attitudes. Instead of praising conquerers, people began to praise merchants and inventors.