For six-thousand years men died of hunger. Why don't we? This is the basic question dealt with in "Mainspring," but the attempt to find the answer leads into a wide variety of subjects, such as: What is the greatest of all modern inventions? Who invented ZERO (0) and why? Just what is the difference between a republic and a Democracy? What is the one best way to pick a genius? What simple invention contributed most to our national wealth? Is there a sure-fire formula for personal security? Weaver answers all of these questions, and more, with a bold, Libertarian narrative, while taking you on a fascinating journey through history to trace and thus identify the mainsprings of human progress. Weaver throws light on many problems plaguing the postwar world, and traces them back to the age-old conflict between Pagan Fatalism and Christian Freedom.

The author delves into highly controversial subjects and leads to certain conclusions that were contrary to the expressed wisdom of his time.