The West prospered by rejecting the type of regime he is seeking to create in America, embraced in Hungary, Turkey, and elsewhere, and would like to see take root across Europe. The Athenian spirit that led to the rise of the West slowly did away with these, not least by ending absolute monarchy. Until the 18th century, art was considered a frivolous activity, suitable only under royal patronage. Openness to global talent is part of America’s “precious inheritance.”The rise of the West is a simple story to tell culturally. Trump and the MAGA faithful know nothing of the “spirit that lifted the West.” On the contrary, they represent everything that it swept away centuries ago.