this book explores how humans started developing wealth + the origins of inequality. at times it was really engaging and at times it read like a dense textbook. what i felt like it was missing was any specific explanation of how these origins of wealth + inequality affect individuals today. it tackles it more from a broad overview of inequality between
nations. still interesting to see how factors originating I0,000-90,000 years ago have impacted wealth development.

I must admit that I worried a bit when I was first invited to read this one that it may end up being something of a snooze-fest... While my husband enjoys reading THE ECONOMIST, some of the articles that he has shared with me over the years have made my eyes glaze over. But though Gabor is an economist, his book relies heavily on historical research as well - something that is much more in my comfort zone. Additionally, it is written in a totally accessible style. Plus, I am delighted to add that this book is downright fascinating. I read the first 3/4s in one sitting, pausing only in a few places for some supplemental Googling.

The first half of the book overviews global economy in relation to the population size, geography and technology. Limiting favors are discussed and broken down. The second half delves into the inequality of wealth and the historical impacts that continues to limit areas of the world. It's a surprisingly straightforward read with limited examples - both conceptual and anecdotal from specific locations. It's also a remarkably apolitical book. It sticks to facts and puts concepts together to make the reader think, And while no real solutions are suggested here, there are certainly plenty of points made to keep in mind. I really want my husband to read this one now! My only real complaint is that I wish that the graphics were a bit clearer - seven shades of grey on a kindle screen isn't always easy to discern. But really, this exceeded my expectations!

This is a very interesting read about the growth of humanity from hunter gatherer societies up to modern day, with some very intriguing insights into how we strengthen growth (fewer children to support them in expensive training) while also allowing less developed societies to grow as they will. Very well researched. I would highly recommend.

A View of Humanity’s Ascent

This book seeks to shed light on two question: how did humanity rise to it’s present level, and why is the growth not universal across cultures? These are huge questions. The author tackles them in an academic way while also being able to make the book interesting for the lay reader.

The first half of the book tackles the question of the progression of humans from hunter-gatherers to the level of our current highly technical civilization. I found the discussion interesting, but basically it is the traditional explanation. I recently read The Dawn of Everything by Graeber and Wengrow. It’s fascinating to compare the two explanations for the rise of civilization. Personally, I found the Graeber-Wengrow thesis more satisfying.

The second half tackles the question of the distribution of wealth. Why some areas succeeded and are still succeeding more than others. It’s a complex problem. I thought the author handled it well. Climate does have a great deal to do with the problem, but it’s not the only driver. Diversity is also a factor, but again the underlying reasons are complex.

The book is written for a college level audience. It’s not difficult to read or understand but it is dense and there is a great deal of technical vocabulary. However, I believe it’s well worth the time to discover the author’s ideas.

I received this book from Dutton for this review.

The Journey of Humanity takes on the huge task of explaining how humanity got to this point, which the author calls the Mystery of Growth. The second half explains why this growth has not been universal across nations, which the author calls the Mystery of Inequality.

From the Malthusian (hunter-gatherer) epoch to the Neolithic (agricultural) Revolution to the Industrial Revolution and concluding now in the Technological Era, the book looks closely at what drives lifestyle improvements. Has the Demographic Transition, where families have less children due to the cost of training them in advanced skills, promoted prosperity? Did allowing non-native citizens to share in the nation’s wealth increase or decrease growth?

These and more questions are answered within The Journey of Humanity. However, the author does not provide a suggested solution beyond a rather simplistic “don’t force a developed world solution on a developing world’s entirely different culture”. In addition, the book is written like a college textbook with a large and technical vocabulary that may trouble some readers looking for a more popular science level of prose. 3 stars.

Thanks to Dutton Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

The reading experience here is much like studying a college textbook, a little tough for the casual reader. Yet the theory and information presented is well-expressed, fascinating and ultimately hopeful for what the future holds for humanity.

It's always interesting to read a long view of history from an economist's perspective. This book is absorbing and although there subject matter is quite expansive, it never feels dry or overly dense. If you enjoy books like Sapiens or Guns, Germs, and Steel, this is one to add to your list.

This is a well thought out and well explained exposition of how we as humans have progressed throughout the years with population growth and the effects of abundance/scarcity of agricultural products. The issues of why certain parts of the world prospered more than others are well explained by the author and give us much food for thought for our futures. The book takes a complex topic and makes it easier to understand and to comprehend what can be controlled and what follows rules of economics as we know them.
I would like to thank the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the advance copy given for the purpose of review. It was a pleasure to read the well crafted book.
I recommend this book.

The Journey of Humanity explains not just the evolution of civilization but the evolution of man's well being.

Humans have experienced a drastic transformation over the last few centuries. In most parts of the world man's standard of wellbeing has greatly increased in these last two to three hundred years. However, before this vast increase in the standard of living, from the beginning of civilization, man has experienced cycles of temporary improvement which quickly reverted to the previous living standards. Why was man was unable to sustain these periods of "wealth" until relatively recently? What caused this cycle to eventually be broken and why, today, some parts of the world fall behind others? That's what Galor beautifully explains.

The author examines humanity from it's beginning to today and looks to the future with both fear and hope.

This book reminded me of, and I am a great fan of "Sapiens" by Yuval Noah Harari and this book did not disappoint.

Very interesting and intriguing. I found it well paced and easy to follow the narrative, even though it’s not a subject I have much background in.

Interesting take on how we got where we are—-geography and diversity playing a real role in why societies differ so greatly primarily from an economic standpoint. And how to remedy some of these differences primarily to fight climate change. Interesting.