You’ve probably heard the refrain before, but it bears repeating: The West is the best. As I write this, it’s nearly one hundred degrees Fahrenheit here in Brooklyn. Thank God for air conditioning. The air conditioner, by the way, was invented by the New York-born Willis Carrier in the early part of the twentieth century. Willis was, without question, a product of Western Civilization. Before the AC—which we, no doubt, take for granted nowadays—our ancestors, when faced with the dog days of summer, would have no choice but to sit on ice blocks, drink cold beverages, and fan themselves to stay cool. Many non-Western countries still resort to these old methods. The computer in which I am typing this article is also a product of Western innovation. After I finish writing this, I’ll use it aga