The British used to make great discoveries – steam engines, textile machines and electric motors. They won many Nobel Prizes for science. But very few of their discoveries were developed into commercially successful ventures. Why is that so? Long years of empire over two centuries shaped a society in which old wealth and landed gentry were held in high esteem. The nouveau riche was regarded with disdain. Bright young students aspired to become lawyers, doctors and professionals – people who would be admired for their intellect and the use of brains rather than hard work and the use of hands.
