The issue with which Lal (and of course many others) is concerned is not the prerequisites for adopting capitalism but the prerequisites for the evolution of capitalism over a long period. I think it is widely accepted that individualism, as a moral outlook that is shared by large numbers, is a prerequisite for that evolution. But why did this happen in the West? Lal hypothesizes that the leader of the catholic religion (which I suspect was on its way to becoming as pervasive in Europe as Islam is today in the middle east) in the sixth century had something to do with it. I recall reading other explanations relating to religions. The fascinating part of Lal's is that he sees the Pope's proclamations as a very successful effort to enrich the church by tapping the money of dead widows. Economists need "habits of the heart?" I assume that you are not saying that economists need rhythm. Could you be a bit more explicit? Pat Gunning