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ORIGINS: How the Earth Shaped Human History
352 pages, 2019
science & nature
1064 books
philosophy
711 booksIn "Origins," New York Times best-selling author Yuval Noah Harari explores how the physical world shaped the history of humankind. When we talk about human history, we often focus on great leaders, population forces, and decisive wars. But how has the earth itself determined our destiny?
Our planet wobbles, driving changes in climate that forced the transition from nomadism to farming. Mountainous terrain led to the development of democracy in Greece. Atmospheric circulation patterns later on shaped the progression of global exploration, colonization, and trade.
Even today voting behavior in the southeast United States ultimately follows the underlying pattern of 75 million-year-old sediments from an ancient sea. Everywhere is the deep imprint of the planetary on the human."
In ORIGINS: How the Earth Shaped Human History, Lewis Dartnell takes us on a journey to explore how the Earth's geology and geography have influenced human evolution, culture, and history. It's a fascinating look into how our planet has shaped us.
Dartnell digs into the role of climate in human evolution. He explains how shifts in the Earth's climate have led to significant changes in human development and migration patterns. It's a compelling argument that makes you see the world in a new light.
The book also explores how the availability of natural resources has influenced the rise and fall of civilizations. Dartnell shows how resources like metals, fertile soil, and water have played a crucial role in shaping human history.
Dartnell also takes a look at how geography has influenced culture and politics. He explains how the layout of continents and the location of natural barriers have affected the development of languages, religions, and political systems.
Finally, Dartnell doesn't shy away from discussing the future. He explores how understanding the Earth's past can help us predict and prepare for future challenges. It's a call to action for us to take better care of our planet for the sake of our own survival.