Stan C

I rated this book a 4 out of 5 because it’s not perfect(5) but is better than slightly above average(4). More like a 4.5. Contrary to what some reviewers state about this just being a leftist socialist view of history that seeks to serve that end, this book analyses and recounts societies that thrived and crashed long before the Adam Smith and modern economies. What they attempt to establish through analysis of massive amounts of data and a holistic view of societies, global and local economics and social structures is to expose the factors that bring about periods where societies thrive and when they fall. To focus of their analysis of America in the 20th century and label them socialists is myopic and reflexive. Almost like they had to do a book report and skimmed a few chapters. Read his analysis of Russia since Yeltsin and your view of current events will be much more clear. And when placed against the backdrop of recent history suggests we’ve just begun to fight unless elites prevail in bringing about peace.