In our introductory lecture, Dr. Yaron Brook delves into the origins and philosophical foundations of capitalism, tracing its emergence in the late 18th century as a result of Enlightenment ideas about individualism, reason, and freedom. The lecture emphasizes the transformative impact of capitalism on human life, enabling unprecedented wealth creation, innovation, and progress, while also exploring the reasons behind its contested legacy and the objections raised against it.

In lecture two, we analyze the historical transition from pre-capitalist poverty to modern prosperity, focusing on the emergence of capitalism in England and America during the 18th and 19th centuries. We examine how Enlightenment thinking, scientific advancements, and the recognition of individual rights liberated human minds, paving the way for unprecedented economic growth, technological innovation, and dramatic improvements in living standards. Dr. Brook also addresses the challenges, inequalities, and common misconceptions surrounding this transformative era.

In lecture three, we examine how economic systems shape national prosperity, highlighting the strong correlation between capitalism and innovation, growth, and human flourishing. We explore how economic freedom, individual liberty, and market-driven policies have historically led to unprecedented success, while centralized control and collectivist systems have often resulted in stagnation, poverty, and even famine. The discussion also addresses common misconceptions about economic models, emphasizing that sustained prosperity is most closely tied to periods of greater economic freedom.