@terrycd i’ve looked at the blog piece and looks good 
How long is the full essay? could you inline here or post it as a google doc? (I don’t have word) and it is easier to comment on.
For me, i think there are a few interesting directions to take this in …
- More “data-y”: try and track actual indicators of the rise of modernity to make that graph above move rigorous. We could perhaps use google ngrams database and other sources.
- Intellectual histories: e.g. tracing the rise of particular views and values. These could be miniatures covering just a single person or book or idea in a small way. Or, it could be grand stuff trying to trace a whole arc – i think here of e.g. Theodore Zeldin and his History of French Passions and how it covers the development of French modernity. Or, of course, of Henrich and co work on cultural evolution and a book like “WEIRDest people” Cultural Evolution
- Looking at specific issues and how they are perceived: e.g. slavery, women’s rights, democratic voting.