In a few more words: the fundamental model of all human civilisations has been like a pyramid scheme, that they only work as long as they are expanding and can tap new natural capital (land, resources, water, etc). Because the world is finite, we need to change this model so that civilisation can function in such a way as to not eventually strip the entire planet of life support. He takes a critical and comprehensive look at four civilisations that fell (Sumer, Rome, Maya, and Easter Island) and two that have survived (Egypt and China), looking at what worked, what didn't, how they grew, and what led to their collapses, and finds parallels with modern Western civilisation. It's not radical – he doesn't suggest everyone go back to being hunter-gatherers – but it's realistic and, above all, incredibly fascinating.
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branchandroot
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Date: 2005-05-31 06:11 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-05-31 09:23 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-05-31 09:39 pm (UTC)In a few more words: the fundamental model of all human civilisations has been like a pyramid scheme, that they only work as long as they are expanding and can tap new natural capital (land, resources, water, etc). Because the world is finite, we need to change this model so that civilisation can function in such a way as to not eventually strip the entire planet of life support. He takes a critical and comprehensive look at four civilisations that fell (Sumer, Rome, Maya, and Easter Island) and two that have survived (Egypt and China), looking at what worked, what didn't, how they grew, and what led to their collapses, and finds parallels with modern Western civilisation. It's not radical – he doesn't suggest everyone go back to being hunter-gatherers – but it's realistic and, above all, incredibly fascinating.