But just before that, evidence abounds of an early headstart in Asia of science and technology, philosophy and the arts.

CNN: Building On A Golden Age

Started by Mehmet the Conqueror, they were expanded by a succession of sultans who were as interested in philosophy and the arts as they were in conquest and concubines.

BBC: Uncover the secrets of Topkapi Palace

He also wrote extensively about almost everything else: history, diplomacy, French literature, German literature (in this case, on the lack of it), religion, philosophy and the practical arts of government (in which he himself excelled).

ECONOMIST: Historical biography

Interestingly, Jefferson organized his library not alphabetically but thematically by his own scheme: Memory (History), Reason (Philosophy) and Imagination (Fine Arts).

FORBES: A Library Thomas Jefferson Would Love

She also had a view of science that was unashamedly broad, taking in arts, literature and natural philosophy much in the mould of Erasmus Darwin at the end of the 18th century, whose tomes on botany and zoology were written in Wordsworthian verse.

ECONOMIST: Obituary

Debra Satz, the senior associate dean for Humanities and Arts at Stanford, who teaches ethics and political philosophy, is troubled that Hennessy is handcuffed by his industry ties.

NEWYORKER: Get Rich U.