Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed

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The primary lesson of the book is that those societies (past, present or future) that do not adopt long term, proactive and preventative environmen... (show more)

The primary lesson of the book is that those societies (past, present or future) that do not adopt long term, proactive and preventative environmental policies are doomed to fail.

A must read for those interested in human history, anthropology/archaeology, or if you are an environmentalist or a strangely enough, a liberal. I say this because of the necessary role of strong central governments in pushing a robust, sustainable environmental agenda. Individuals and other private interests left to their own devices, whilst still acting rationally and in their own self-interest, harm the environment in the long run for relatively short term gains, and are ultimately a threat to civilization. The effects and scope of our individual actions on others is wider than most people know - In the end, some of our values and liberties will have to be curtailed, if only to solve the problem of overpopulation, since that exacerbates all other anthropogenic environmental problems.

However, there is a significant role for the individual as well. With our political vote as well as the vote with our wallet, we can influence both businesses (local and global) and our governments to act in a more environmentally sound manner. Not only can we, but we MUST if we expect the experiment called humanity to continue much longer. Unlike past civilizations that collapsed in isolation, our economies and livelihoods are intricately connected to others all around the world. We rise or fall together this time. (show less)

 

 

by Shane Kukiattikoon

No, it's a flop!

My rating probably wouldnt be so low if I wasnt forced to compare the book to its prequil Guns Germs and Steel. I was pretty disappointed with it o... (show more)

My rating probably wouldnt be so low if I wasnt forced to compare the book to its prequil Guns Germs and Steel. I was pretty disappointed with it overall. I felt like the author was too intent on setting up the book in the same way he did GGS. I can understand why, I wouldve gone there with it too. What I cant understand is why he didnt just let the book take its own direction once it became so apparent that his first approach wasnt working out. I dont feel as though reading collapse completed the bigger picture for me nor did it enhance my GGS experience. I had a hard time getting through some of it. I think it was chapter 4 or 5 that just was so dry and wordy, i didnt think i was going to make it. That is saying a lot coming from me because I have loved and read a lot of books that the average person would consider dry. My advice is - if you want to read both read collapse first. (show less)

 

 

by Facebook-gebruiker

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  Never in my life have I been more impacted by a work of non-fiction than by "Collapse". I believe this book to be absolutely required reading of anyone who questions the practices of the first world, believes that our current problems are insignificant, or who ever wonders what the future holds for us personally, and our societies as a whole (both nationally and now globally).

  The first half of the book is an extensive history lesson in societal collapse, and what it means to us to... (show more)

  Never in my life have I been more impacted by a work of non-fiction than by "Collapse". I believe this book to be absolutely required reading of anyone who questions the practices of the first world, believes that our current problems are insignificant, or who ever wonders what the future holds for us personally, and our societies as a whole (both nationally and now globally).

  The first half of the book is an extensive history lesson in societal collapse, and what it means to us today. The second half studies modern collapses and then masterfully brings every lesson learned throughout the various analyses to craft solid arguments for the potentially catastrophic environmental problems facing societies today.

  The book ends on a cautiously optimistic tone which left me personally stunned and with a new-found respect for the interconnectedness of the past and present, and of societies with every other society and with the world as a whole. Masterfully researched and crafted; beautifully written; a book I will never forget. (show less)

   

   

  by Jon Degner on Oct 21, 2009 at 08:58PM

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  "Collapse" is an easy recommendation for someone looking for a mix of history, anthropology
  and ecology, in an series of case studies that are proven to be absolutely relevant for the 21st century.

  A sobering, comprehensive look at failed societies, both ancient and modern. Informative and engaging, "Collapse" is broken up into chapters which describe the destruction of about a dozen civilizations and the factors that lead to their demise.

  "Collapse" is writte... (show more)

  "Collapse" is an easy recommendation for someone looking for a mix of history, anthropology
  and ecology, in an series of case studies that are proven to be absolutely relevant for the 21st century.

  A sobering, comprehensive look at failed societies, both ancient and modern. Informative and engaging, "Collapse" is broken up into chapters which describe the destruction of about a dozen civilizations and the factors that lead to their demise.

  "Collapse" is written in a similar style to "Guns, Germs and Steel", but the subject matter is both more varied and more engrossing than that of his previous book. Each chapter contains a substantial amount of information, but the effect isn't at all overwhelming.

  "Collapse" is thought-provoking, but it's also depressing. Jarod Diamond makes a convincing connection between the factors that brought down ancient societies at their peak and the factors that are affecting modern societies today. He lays out the reasons why the world as we know it today won't be sustainable past the mid 21st century. He makes a perfunctory attempt to end the book on an optimistic note, but by that point, he's already made his case; the world is already at its limit of resource consumption, and as populations of third-world nations strive for first-world living standards, the total impact of the world's population will far exceed what the planet can sustain. (show less)

   

   

  by Scott Cameron on Oct 06, 2009 at 04:40PM

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