ABSTRACT
In the course of human history, one nation or another has periodically thrown off its lethargy and demonstrated an economic vigor and ability that enabled it to advance at an exceptional speed. Few of these spurts were very long-lasting, and some were related to fortuitous events like foreign conquests or the discovery of precious resources. There have also been more sustained periods of growth which allowed some countries to plod slowly ahead. But it would be nearly impossible to find any other examples of countries with very modest endowments and little indication of economic talent suddenly growing at two and more times the average rate and pressing swiftly onward decade after decade. Yet, that is what happened to the East Asian Five. 1
