There are many theories to explain why Europeans colonized Australia and Africa and not the other way around. This article talks about one of them. It then shows the importance of the times in which we exist. 

Why Europe and not Africa

Europe seems to has a head start in its development process. While other continents try to keep up, Europe is one of the most developed and powerful areas on the planet. But why did that happen to Europe and not to Africa or Australia?

Does it have to do with genetics? The culture? Or maybe the historical figures who lived there? Although everyone may claim or support a different story, one thing is sure: geography was an important factor of growth for every region in the world.

Remember that the economy started when agriculture gave us a surplus, and not everyone needed to collect their own food. Hence, the more land people could cultivate, the more their economy would grow. At the same time, if the climate was similar in all those lands, people could use the same agricultural methods and increase production even further.

So, here is the distinct difference that made Europe and not Africa the dominant figure of the world: Europeans could expand either eastward or westward, where the climate, and hence agricultural conditions, remained the same. On the contrary, Africans could mainly move south or north, facing changing weather conditions that prohibited a steady growth in agriculture.

The power of the times in which we exist 

How can we use this observation to improve our own lives, today? This is the central question that this blog wants to answer. Learning about stuff is entertaining, but a new piece of information can be useful only when you apply the knowledge to your own life. Otherwise, you risk forgetting everything. 

We saw before that Europe grew more than Africa mainly because of its geography. It did not have to do with genetics, culture, or people. The Europeans were just lucky enough to live in a continent that favored agriculture. 

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to achieve something, you cannot make it because of the surroundings and the times in which you exist, not because of you. For example, if you would try to spread a message of love to the entire world 60 years ago, it would take a lifetime to travel everywhere, and still, you would not reach even half your goal. 

Now, you have the means to communicate, even talk, with a person on the other side of the world. In other words, if you want to achieve something, our surroundings and the times in which we exist are as important as dedicated and consistent work.

Takeaway 

• In contrast with Africans, Europeans could expand either eastward or westward, where the climate, and hence agricultural conditions, remained the same.
• Learning about stuff is entertaining, but a new piece of information can be useful only when you apply the knowledge to your own life.
• If you want to achieve something, our surroundings and the times in which we exist are as important as dedicated and consistent work.