Guns, Germs, and Steel

[JohnT]

Which is another problem I have with the book (he says from his hazy recollection of it): He ascribes no (or little) credit to the development of civilizations to the development of ideas. It's all about geography and biology, with no room for human intellect and will.

Of course, that's just me: I have a problem with "one size fits all" explanations for human behaviour and development.

[TCO]

He claims genetic intellectual superiority of New Guineans.

[Ecthy]

should I buy it?

[JohnT]

Buy a used copy.

[JohnT]

Originally posted by TCO
He claims genetic intellectual superiority of New Guineans.

As I quoted above.

[Ecthy]

Used copies put their lips onto things and create a vacuum in their mouth, ie they suck.

[JohnT]

Elitist.

[Ecthy]

Yeah I prefer own books, new and all.

What is GGS actually about? What part of history? From what point of view? Which obvious political leaning?

[Kuciwalker]

Originally posted by TCO
He claims genetic intellectual superiority of New Guineans.

He says there are selective pressures for intelligence among undeveloped societies, whereas there are selective pressures for resistance to disease among developed societies.

[Kuciwalker]

Originally posted by Ecthelion
should I buy it?

Yes.

[Ecthy]

please remember to also answer my above detail questions

[JohnT]

Originally posted by skywalker


He says there are selective pressures for intelligence among undeveloped societies, whereas there are selective pressures for resistance to disease among developed societies.

Therefore:

That is, in mental ability New Guineans are probably genetically superior to Westerners

[Kuciwalker]

Originally posted by Ecthelion
Yeah I prefer own books, new and all.

What is GGS actually about? What part of history? From what point of view? Which obvious political leaning?

GGS is about *all* of history. It provides a broad scope. It has not obvious political leanings (that I noticed).

GGS provides an explanation of why some races/cultures/nationalities became developed, industrialized nations, whereas others didn't. It provides an explanation of this based SOLELY on geography and flora and fauna.

[Ecthy]

not of genes and skin colour? Cali and Krux must hate it

[JohnT]

And it is the "solely" part that disturbs me. Once again, in Diamonds Universe the world of ideas and beliefs have nothing to do with the development of civilizations.