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Jared Diamond: Collapse

I’ve tried reading both Jared Diamond’s books, the latest being Collapse, and gave up in exhaustion about 1/3 the way through each. The Long Now Foundation was kind enough to invite Diamond to give a talk which, in less time than it takes to read a single chapter, summarizes the thesis of Collapse. Check it out.

PS, isn’t “Jared Diamond” the perfect name for a super hero historian comic book character’s alter ego? Clark Kent and Peter Parker, meet Jared Diamond. 

Posted on Tuesday, May 8 by Registered CommenterAdam in | Comments2 Comments

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Reader Comments (2)

I had the same problem with 'Collapse' - he tends to make the point, and then make it again repeatedly, in exhaustive (exhausting) detail. It seems churlish to stop reading such an obviously worthy, well-researched book, though, so you keep going. Eventually, I discovered it's better to read in non-linear fashion i.e. I read the chapter on Oz first, then the introduction, then skipped around the middle bits on civilisations I was interested in. More satisfying, and with the same results.
May 9, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterDan
I had Collapse in audiobook form for well over a year and failed to get past the first chapter despite numerous attempts. Enter a trip involving countless hours on a bus - it was my savior. You know you're on a long bus ride when Collapse feels like a quick listen!
May 9, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterAmanda Willoughby

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