But from where did this tendency to rely on "common law" come from? Good question. Hammurabi's Code of Law, Moses Ten Commandments and society comfortable enough in their eyes that "do unto others" is an option?
I suspect that the "Rule of Law" and "market forces" have been an intrical (sp?) force in shaping mankind since day one. We wouldn't have made it this far without this. It's who we are at our best.
Yes- But Islam accepts the old testament and some of the New into the Koran. Muhammed was a trader. Part of the reason for the spread of Islam was that it taxed lower than did the ruling Christians or Pagans. Islam was a free enterprise area for a long time whether we like it or not. But their culture being at the center of trade for so long didn't feel the need to adapt or explore. Our Culture did? Why? It wasn't over population. Why did the West seek out "strange new worlds?"