The human civilisation have at least 5000 years of history, from 3000 years BC to present 2011 AD.
Before the 18th century, the human race were very stupid, making very little progress during the 4800 years that they live.
For example, people were riding horses and by the 18 century, they were still riding horses.
People were using swords, arrows for war. Until the 18 century, they were still using swords and arrows with the exception of a few lousy guns and canons.
People were using wooden ships and until the 18 century they were still using wooden ships.
People were being ruled by a absolute monarchy and until the 18 century, they are still being ruled by an emperor with absolute power.
Only after the 18 century, people become suddenly become very smart.
They invented vehicles, metal armoured warships, submarines, aeroplanes, rockets to go outer space.
They came out with many different kind of government such as constitutional monarchy, democracy etc.
They invented typewriter, computer, internet, handphone etc
Seems like the past 200 years people made more progress than the 4800 years that they had previously lived in.
So why humans suddenly become so smart during the last 200 years?
because of gobalisation