My Favorite Book
Guns, Germs, and Steel, by Jared Diamond
This book chronicles the development of societies. It starts at the earliest period of human evolution by interpreting evidence from our distant past. Diamond ties together the latest learning from many different types of scientists. to answer the question of his New Guinea tribesman friend who wanted to know why the Europeans were able to surpass them in power.
The New Guinea tribesmen wondered why they, such strong men, and great hunters, were not a dominant social group. It is a very good question!!! After all, if any of us lived in New Guinea, in the jungle, how long would we last??? Not very long!
This book identifies three achievements and/or accidents - guns, germs, and steel - as the primary determinants of dominance for the past several hundred years. Diamond thoroughly demystifies any implication that Europeans are deservedly dominant. He explains how the geography of continents influenced the spread of innovation and communication among human groups. I really like this book because I learned so much by reading it.
The New Guinea tribesmen wondered why they, such strong men, and great hunters, were not a dominant social group. It is a very good question!!! After all, if any of us lived in New Guinea, in the jungle, how long would we last??? Not very long!
This book identifies three achievements and/or accidents - guns, germs, and steel - as the primary determinants of dominance for the past several hundred years. Diamond thoroughly demystifies any implication that Europeans are deservedly dominant. He explains how the geography of continents influenced the spread of innovation and communication among human groups. I really like this book because I learned so much by reading it.