This historical anomaly is made possible by economic growth, but again it is not essentially an economic achievement. It is yet another way in which human beings can fulfill their creative identities and explore their full potential. The predictable objection to this picture is simply that many members of capitalist society do not use their new-found leisure time to read Aristotle, appreciate Da Vinci, or even look for true love. They work just as hard and unhappily as their unfortunate ancestors, and then spend their earnings on empty material goods. The complaint is valid to some extent, although when compared to the medieval serf even the least reflective modern lives an enriched and fulfilling life.
Capitalist development gives humanity more than just the raw means to civilize itself.
It also assures that the process of civilization, however slow, will not be a coerced and hypocritical path, but a real and freely chosen improvement in the human character.