About book Why The West Rules---for Now: The Patterns Of History, And What They Reveal About The Future (2010)
The author attempts to explain why the "West" has ruled the world recently and looks to explain it through archaeological, sociological, and geographical means. He does a great job keeping the book fairly easy to read and keeps the attention of the reader throughout. Ultimately the book comes to some conclusions about what may happen in the future based upon what has happened in the past. While I enjoyed reading the book at times, there was nothing that I found particularly mind blowing or too many great insights that had never been thought of before. This is, instead, a great compendium of human history written in a tone that conveys the sentiments of both a professor and your drinking buddy as you talk about the mysteries of the world.I enjoyed the author's style and the subject matter, but did not find too much great new insight into why the West rules or what the past tells about the future. Would definitely recommend for those with a broad interest in societal changes throughout history. This book has a scope like no other. A fascinating way to look at human history and development. I don't really have an argument with the author's methods I am just not certain I can buy in to his prediction of the "Singularity" happening in the next few decades. For one, the prospect is a little frightening. For another I am not sure I fully grasp the concept. Up until that point however this is an excellent review of human development. I wish there had been more about the other core areas besides the "East" and "West" which the author concentrates on in particular. These areas did provide important elements to our current world. In an 800 page book that would have probably stretched it to over 1000. So I get.
Do You like book Why The West Rules---for Now: The Patterns Of History, And What They Reveal About The Future (2010)?
Excellent book on describing and analysing patterns in the past and a bet on the future.
—jai
A great romp through history that is intelligent, entertaining and informative.
—yungchrismoney
Wayne just finished it and raved about it.
—afried
