In The Island at the Center of the World, Russell Shorto discusses the ideas, beliefs, cultural forces, and people that made the Dutch colony of Manhattan. When thinking of New York City in its early stages, many people assume it was largely influenced and established by the English. Originally founded by Henry Hudson and the Dutch East India Company, Manhattan would soon gain the qualities that make it the city it is today.

Perhaps some of the most revealing pieces of information that Shorto presents are the concepts and attitudes the Dutch brought with them early in the 17th century. The Dutch were businesspeople seeking profits, they were tolerant people, they were open and not fond of censorship, and it was cosmopolitan in every sense. These ideas and cultural norms, helped to create a society where people could move from one class to another and in a sense was a precursor to the “American Dream.”

This upwardly mobile society that promoted freedom, pursuit of profit, and diversity draws a close parallel to what many consider New York City to be today both politically and socially. Two driving forces in shaping Manhattan into what it is today were Peter Stuyvesant and Adriaen van der Donck. Stuyvesant represented an autocratic, antiquated view whereas Donck promoted a democratic view that was more inline with the ideals of this soon to be bustling city full of opportunities.

I found this interesting because of the astonishing similarities between how Shorto described Dutch society in Manhattan and what Manhattan is today. In the greater New York are, nationally, and even internationally, Manhattan is a symbol of hope. It is the epitome of business minded and exemplifies the term “melting pot.” Democracy and social mobility are pillars of Manhattan. The ability to come here with nothing, regardless of who you are, and make a fortune is what makes New York such an enthralling city. The fact that Shorto claims this pillars and ideals, that we are today so familiar with, came from the Dutch was amazing.