From the Bookshelf of Science and Inquiry…

Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies

Jared Diamond

Start date: July 1, 2014

Finish date: July 31, 2014

Discussion: Book Club 2014

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Book Club 2014

March 2014 - Epigenetics Revolution
By Betsy , co-mod · 13 posts · 147 views

last updated Nov 06, 2019 03:45AM

September 2014 - Sixth Extinction
By Betsy , co-mod · 62 posts · 168 views

last updated Jan 06, 2016 01:48AM

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What Members Thought

Dec 20, 2009 Mag rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction, science

The book is an attempt to answer the question why the rise of complex human societies unfolded differently on different continents. The main conclusion is it was differences in continental environments, not in human biology. Advanced technology, centralized political organization, writing, and other features of complex societies could emerge only in dense sedentary populations capable of accumulating food surpluses. The domesticable wild plants and animal species essential for that rise of agric ...more

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May 12, 2009 Cassandra Kay Silva rated it liked it

Shelves: science

I think there were better sources for some of this information, although it was nice to find so much of it in one source. The author repeats himself a good deal, and kind of hammers some points into the ground. It did answer a lot of my personal questions about the spread of disease and some agricultural concerns as far as development and so forth. Overall worthwhile read, though in my opinion not terribly engaging.

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Sep 14, 2009 Eric Michael rated it it was amazing

A must read. Reveals that the origins of inequality lie in accidental features of geography not innate intelligence. Shatters the foundation for racist historiographies that would celebrate Europeans for their superior skill. Rather, Diamond reveals how European geography promoted a state of constant war that fueled an arms race that extended to the legacy we know today of colonialism and empire.

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Jun 13, 2009 Kathleen rated it it was amazing

Shelves: history

Addresses the question of why so many indigenous people have been overwhelmed by European invaders, while rejecting the assumption of European superiority.

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