(From the atlas's Irony Department, apparently.)
"Europe has been, for many centuries, the scene of frequent wars among the various nationalities which divide its area. Thus much of the energy which might well have been spent in peaceful effort for the advancement of humanity has been misdirected, to the injury of mankind.
"Even in times of peace, apprehensions of war compel the various nations to maintain standing armies ready for sudden hostilities; the result is that millions of men are continually diverted from industrial pursuits.
"One great reason for the superior prosperity of the American people is the fact that in this country no burden of military necessity is laid upon industry as it is in Europe."
(Well, we blew it there, huh?)
Re: Daily Atlas Wisdom: Europe