Soft Despotism, Democracy's Drift by Paul Rahe is an important new book for students of history and anyone interested in the direction of modern democratic societies. Here's the part 2 (of many) of my summary and review of the book...
Regarding the tendencies of commercial republics - commerce looks ahead, valuing customers and markets for future transactions over physical possessions on hand. Commerce is more about 'getting ahead' than about enjoying what you have already earned. Potential vast wealth is more valuable than present sufficient wealth....

