The World Until Yesterday: What Can We Learn from Traditional Societies?

The World Until Yesterday: What Can We Learn from Traditional Societies?

by Jared Diamond

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12473 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	544 pages

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In his book The World Until Yesterday, Jared Diamond explores the ways in which traditional societies differ from our own. He argues that we can learn a lot from these societies, and that they offer us a glimpse into our own past.

Diamond focuses on three main areas of difference between traditional and modern societies: social organization, child-rearing, and warfare. He argues that traditional societies are more egalitarian than modern societies, that they have a more cooperative child-rearing style, and that they are less violent than modern societies.

Diamond's book has been praised for its insights into human nature and for its challenge to the conventional wisdom about the superiority of modern societies. However, it has also been criticized for its oversimplification of traditional societies and for its lack of attention to the role of gender in these societies.

Social Organization

One of the most striking differences between traditional and modern societies is their social organization. Traditional societies are typically egalitarian, with little or no social stratification. This is in contrast to modern societies, which are typically hierarchical, with a clear division between the rich and the poor.

Diamond argues that the egalitarian social organization of traditional societies is more conducive to happiness and well-being than the hierarchical social organization of modern societies. He points to the fact that traditional societies have lower rates of crime, violence, and mental illness than modern societies.

Child-Rearing

Another major difference between traditional and modern societies is their child-rearing practices. Traditional societies typically have a more cooperative child-rearing style, with children being raised by the entire community. This is in contrast to modern societies, where children are typically raised by their parents alone.

Diamond argues that the cooperative child-rearing style of traditional societies is more beneficial to children than the individualistic child-rearing style of modern societies. He points to the fact that children raised in traditional societies are more likely to be happy, well-adjusted, and successful.

Warfare

The third major difference between traditional and modern societies is their attitudes towards warfare. Traditional societies are typically more peaceful than modern societies. This is due in part to the fact that traditional societies have less to gain from war and more to lose.

Diamond argues that the peaceful nature of traditional societies is a reminder that war is not an inevitable part of human nature. He points to the fact that there are many traditional societies that have never experienced war.

In The World Until Yesterday, Jared Diamond offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of traditional societies. He argues that we can learn a lot from these societies, and that they offer us a valuable perspective on our own.

Diamond's book is a must-read for anyone interested in human nature, happiness, and well-being.

The World Until Yesterday: What Can We Learn from Traditional Societies?

by Jared Diamond

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12473 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	544 pages

FREE