Question

history

Answer 1

Geometry. It was the first definitive proof that sound axioms and logical reasoning could produce a body of predictions that were applicable to the real world, e.g. raising buildings. From that early beginning springs much of the Western confidence that science and technology are accessible to the rational mind, and can be used to improve the life of men. Eastern philosophy tends not to think this way -- tends to think the lot of men cannot easily be improved, and even if it can, it has to be by spiritual improvement or good government -- science and technology aren't that useful.

And yet, in the end, I bet the decline in the rate of domestic violence over the past 1000 years has more to do with indoor plumbing, appliances, automobiles, and telephones than any amount of moralizing or spiritual leadership. Happy people are less violent.