"IMHO first you become rich, then once you have time in your hands to actually think about improving things, you do just that." 'rich' -> 'improving things' ar

"IMHO first you become rich, then once you have time in your hands to actually think about improving things, you do just that." 'rich' -> 'improving things' are the same thing. Individuals can 'get rich' just by being corrupt. But a nation generally cannot. Yes, natural resources will help, but they are never the true basis for progress, because without civility, the wealth generated from the resources will be fleeting. Domestic consumption is generally the only long-term 'stay rich' strategy and it depends to a high degree on civility. Saudi Arabia can do as they please and remain rich for a while, but it's not sustainable. Canada, Australia can get a 'jumpstart' and have a 'cushion' due to natural resources but even then it's not obvious. Most of Africa is rich in natural resources and they are poor, it's mostly a systematic issue.