If we study human freedom in history – what do we find? Stories of Greek and Italian democracies are often misunderstood, as the majority were still in poverty or slaves. The kinds of freedom and prosperty we have lived within and experienced are different entirely, and are a feature of recent history. These two scholars point to the thinking that sits at the root of this. What is it in history that enabled this great ‘tree of freedom’ we have benefitted from to grow?