Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies

by Jared Diamond
Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Buy online
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 5724
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
CEI.org · 2022-11-01
important 3.50

The book provides a convincing story that answers important questions, but it doesn't cover the whole picture. It's an important part of understanding the fates of human societies.

This review acknowledges the book's strength in providing a convincing and important part of the answer to questions about the fates of human societies. However, it notes that the book doesn't cover the entire picture. The reviewer appreciates the book's insights but also recognizes its limitations, making it a valuable but not exhaustive resource.

Quick quotes

    It is a convincing story, and an important part of the answer to Yali's question.

    But it is not the whole answer.

    The drawback to Guns, Germs, and Steel is that it is not the whole answer.

Reddit - Books · 2016-01-01
great 4.50

The book is a great introduction to thinking about the world through history, geography, and ecology. It lays out a compelling theory about how civilizations were shaped by continental geography.

This book is highly recommended for anyone looking to understand the interplay between history, geography, and ecology. The reviewer found it to be a great introduction to a unique way of thinking about the world, highlighting how civilizations were shaped by their environments. It's praised for its compelling theory and the way it combines different disciplines to provide a comprehensive view.

Quick quotes

    The book is a perfect introduction to a certain way of thinking about the world, a way that combines history with geography and ecology.

    It’s great. It lays out a theory whereby civilizations were shaped by continental geography ...

    This is an excellent book that proves environmental determinism.

Goodreads · 2010-01-01
fascinating 4.00

The book excels in its anthropological insights but may oversimplify complex historical processes. It is a compelling read that challenges conventional views on societal development.

This book is a fascinating exploration of how environmental factors have shaped human history. The reviewer appreciates the depth of anthropological knowledge Diamond brings to the table, but they also note that the book's strengths can sometimes become its weaknesses. The narrative is engaging and thought-provoking, but it may oversimplify the roles of human agency and cultural differences in shaping societies. Overall, it's a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the broader forces that have influenced human development.

Quick quotes

    The book's strength is also its weakness.

    Jared Diamond is very good on his own ground, and so long as his narrative is based on his knowledge of anthropology, ...

    It is a work rich in dramatic revelations that will fascinate readers even as it challenges conventional wisdom.

Appears in Lists