"Buddhism had special appeal to urban trading groups, seeking a moral rather than a communal framework for their lives." From Michael Mann's book, The Sources of Social Power.

So Buddhism appealed to persons who often dealt with people they had never met before. In a society where the ties of family and tribe had been softened, if not lost, a new vision of how society should hold together was needed. Very interesting, in a sociological sort of way.

As one who will probably be a successful Buddhist only on an ethical level (if that), this is an interesting topic. And let's face it, as the persons with the time, disposition and commitment to succeed on a higher level, that is reaching "enlightenment," are probably very few in number, the study and application of Buddhism as an ethical system is immensely important.

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