How would a European slave trader feel about the slave trade? How would Europeans feel about the Columbian Exchange? How would European governments feel about capitalism? How would the people leading the venture feel about the joint-stock company? How would European governments feel about mercantilism?

The feelings and perspectives of individuals and entities in historical contexts can vary widely, and generalizations may not capture the diversity of opinions. However, I can provide some insights into the attitudes that were prevalent during specific historical periods:

1. European Slave Trader:

  - **Feelings:** Individual slave traders might have had diverse feelings. Some may have been motivated purely by profit, while others might have rationalized their actions through prevailing racial and cultural biases. Some might have been indifferent, while others may have experienced moral conflicts.

2. Europeans and the Columbian Exchange:

  - **Feelings:** Europeans likely had mixed feelings about the Columbian Exchange. While it facilitated the global transfer of goods, cultures, and ideas, it also led to the spread of diseases, ecological changes, and social disruptions. Europeans generally benefited economically but might not have been fully aware of the long-term consequences.

3. European Governments and Capitalism:

  - **Feelings:** European governments generally embraced elements of capitalism, especially during the transition from feudalism to mercantilism. Capitalism provided a framework for economic growth, trade, and accumulation of wealth. However, the extent to which governments fully endorsed or regulated capitalism varied over time and across countries.

4. Leaders of Joint-Stock Companies:

  - **Feelings:** Leaders involved in joint-stock companies likely saw them as a pragmatic and effective way to pool resources for large-scale ventures. This form of business organization facilitated risk-sharing and allowed investors to participate in profits. Leaders would likely view joint-stock companies as an innovative tool for financing ventures.

5. European Governments and Mercantilism:

  - **Feelings:** European governments were generally supportive of mercantilism, an economic system that emphasized accumulating wealth through a favorable balance of trade, colonial expansion, and protectionist policies. Governments believed that these measures would enhance national power and economic strength.

In each case, it's essential to recognize the diversity of perspectives within these groups and the evolving nature of attitudes over time. Historical actors often had complex motivations influenced by economic, social, political, and cultural factors.