This book is based on an in-depth conversation between Howard Burton and Margaret Jacob, Distinguished Professor of History at UCLA. Topics examined during this extensive conversation 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. 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:I. Historical Origins - Rebel-turned scholarII. Decrypting Newton - From physics to theologyIII. Beyond the Numbers - Searching for causes IV. Apprenticeship - Pivotal time to developV. Religion and Geography - Unitarianism and other factorsVI. Theory vs. Practice - France’s surprising underdevelopmentVII. Lessons Learned? - Towards cultivating the innovative spiritVIII. History Today? - Reflections on research and teachingIX. Past and Future - New books and bizarre faucetsX. Righting Wrongs, Slowly - Gender discrimination in the academyAbout Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series: This book is part of a series of 100 Ideas Roadshow Conversations. Presented in an accessible, conversational format, Ideas Roadshow books not only explore frontline academic research featuring world-leading researchers, including 3 Nobel Laureates, but also reveal the inspirations and personal journeys behind the research.