I'm reading a book at the moment that my next door neighbor gave me titled "Europe In Transition: 1300 - 1520" by Wallace K. Ferguson. This is a period of history (The Middle Ages) that I am a bit hazy on which is why I am reading it, additionally it is very well written and I enjoy learning history. But I found a good passage discussing the Burgers which where a free merchant class of the middle ages. The highlighted passage states that these Burghers were essentially responsible for lifting Europe out of feudalism; but they didn't do so consciously or intentionally -- this benefit was a by-product of the Burgers simple desire for personal gain. When people are liberated to improve their lot in life wondrous things can happen. However, whenever governments impose taxes economic activity is stifled and human progress is retarded. http://i.imgur.com/rRkcwGw.jpg