But in Arthur's view, the lack of pioneering spirit cannot really be blamed on these merchants, as they did not become wealthy due to such a spirit.
British merchants enjoy taking risks because many of them made their fortunes through overseas adventures.
When such stories of making windfall profits overseas become numerous, it naturally sparks the imagination of the next generation about the myths of wealth, prompting them to gamble their entire fortunes for a big win.
As for Russia, the experiences Russian merchants have drawn from wealth myths differ from those of British merchants.
In Russia, the path to wealth is not through adventure, but in ensuring never to oppose the government, but rather to cooperate with it.
Another accompanying creed is: when competitors are fighting for political power, watching from the sidelines is the wisest choice.
Can you blame them for being conservative?
Of course not.
Because they are evidently in the right.
