Speakers Jared Diamond: Civilization scholar

Jared Diamond

Jared Diamond investigates why cultures prosper or decline. In his latest book, he suggests that technological civilization is only a fraction of the human narrative.

Why you should listen to him:

In his books Guns, Germs and Steel and Collapse (and the popular PBS and National Geographic documentaries they inspired), big-picture scholar Jared Diamond explores civilizations and why they all seem to fall. Now in his latest book, The World Until Yesterday, Diamond examines the traditional societies of New Guinea -- and discovers that modern civilization is only our latest solution to survival.
 
Diamond’s unique background in evolutionary biology, geography and physiology informs his integrated vision of human history. He posits that success -- and failure -- depends on how well societies adapt to their changing environment.
"Diamond eschews the grand canvas to offer an empathetic portrait of human survival and adaptability"
Publisher’s Weekly, Sept. 17, 2012

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Quotes by Jared Diamond

  • “Our biggest threat is not an asteroid about to crash into us, something we can do nothing about. Instead, all the major threats facing us today are problems entirely of our own making. And since we made the problems, we can also solve the problems.”

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