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Upheaval

512 pages, 2019

Takeaways
Description

A riveting and illuminating read selected by Bill Gates, this is the third book in a monumental trilogy by Nobel Prize winner Jared Diamond that explores how successful nations have adapted through crisis. In his international bestsellers Guns, Germs, and Steel and Collapse, Diamond transformed our understanding of what makes civilizations rise and fall. 

In The Third Wave: An Entrepreneur's Vision of the Future , he introduces the concept of "restorative growth", a coping mechanism more commonly associated with individual recoveries from personal crises: comparisons of six nations that survived upheavals—ranging from Japan under U. S. Commodore Perry's fleet to Chile after its coup d'etat.

Understanding Crisis

In Upheaval, Jared Diamond explores how nations handle crises. He suggests that countries, like individuals, must acknowledge and accept their problems before they can begin to solve them. This is a great lesson for us too - we need to face our issues head-on if we want to overcome them.

Learning from History

Diamond's research in Upheaval shows us that we can learn a lot from history. By looking at how different nations have dealt with crises in the past, we can find strategies to deal with our own problems. So, next time you're facing a challenge, why not take a look at history for some inspiration?

The Importance of Flexibility

One key takeaway from Upheaval is the importance of flexibility. Diamond shows that nations that are able to adapt and change are the ones that survive crises. This is a great reminder for us to stay flexible and open to change in our own lives.

The Power of Self-appraisal

In Upheaval, Diamond emphasizes the power of self-appraisal. He argues that nations need to take a hard look at themselves and their actions in order to solve problems. This is a valuable lesson for us too - sometimes, we need to take a step back and evaluate our own actions.

The Role of National Identity

Diamond's book also explores the role of national identity in overcoming crises. He suggests that a strong sense of identity can help nations pull through tough times. This can also apply to us on a personal level - having a strong sense of who we are can help us navigate life's challenges.

Quotes 2

Jared Diamond’s new book, Upheaval, is a brilliant, gripping, and surprising look into how nations deal with crisis, which might hopefully help humanity as a whole deal with our present global crisis.

Bill GatesBill Gates - Microsoft Co-founder

Upheaval by Jared Diamond is a thought-provoking look at how nations handle crises. It's a timely read for our increasingly chaotic world.

Yuval Noah HarariYuval Noah Harari - Historian, Author
Bill GatesYuval Noah Harari

Recommendations

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Bill Gates, entrepreneur and investor and technology and venture capitalist, Recommending BestBooks

Bill Gates

entrepreneurinvestortechnologyventure capitalist

Upheaval found in libraries

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372 books

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