The World Until Yesterday

512 pages, 2012

Jared Diamond

science & nature

1064 books

history

999 books

Takeaways

Description

Jared Diamond compares modern Western culture with that of traditional societies to show that many of our current practices are unhealthy and unsustainable.‍ Most of us take for granted the features of our modern society, from air travel and telecommunications to literacy and obesity. Yet for nearly all of its six million years of existence, human society had none of these things.

While the gulf that divides us from our primitive ancestors may seem unbridgeable wide, we can glimpse much of our former lifestyle in those largely traditional societies still or recently existing.

Societies like those of the New Guinea Highlanders remind us that it was only yesterday—in evolutionary time—when everything changed and that we moderns still possess bodies and social practices often better adapted to traditional than to modern conditions.

Understanding Traditional Societies

In 'The World Until Yesterday', Jared Diamond takes us on a journey to explore traditional societies. He compares them with modern societies, giving us a fresh perspective on how we live today. It's a fascinating look into the past that can help us understand our present.

The Importance of Learning from the Past

Diamond emphasizes the importance of learning from our ancestors. He shows us that traditional societies have a lot to teach us about conflict resolution, child-rearing, treatment of the elderly, and more. It's a reminder to not dismiss the past, but to learn from it.

The Evolution of Human Societies

The book provides a deep insight into how human societies have evolved over time. From hunter-gatherer tribes to modern civilizations, Diamond traces the path of human development. It's a great read if you're interested in understanding how we got to where we are today.

The Impact of Environment on Societies

Jared Diamond also explores how the environment shapes societies. He shows how geography and resources can influence a society's development and survival. It's a thought-provoking look into the relationship between humans and their environment.

The Value of Cultural Diversity

In 'The World Until Yesterday', you'll find a celebration of cultural diversity. Diamond shows us that there's no 'one size fits all' approach to society. Each culture has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, and we can learn a lot from this diversity.

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Jared Diamond's The World Until Yesterday is a fascinating look into our past, and a glimpse into how our society might look if we made different choices.