Guns, Germs and Steel (GSS) is a very intriguing book. Initially I thought it was similar to `Sapiens` of Harari. But it is not. Sapiens was more of a page-turner whereas GGS was a relatively tough read since some chapters focus too much on geography and anthropology. But still I found the book very useful and educating.
Jared’s main argument is that some continents developed faster than others not because of genetic/biological differences but due to environmental/geographical factors. He claims that ‘ultimate factors’ (availability of domesticable plants and animals, the orientation of continents’ axes, high rainfall levels, less ecological barriers) led to higher population size & density which eventually gave birth to ‘proximate factors’ (politically, socially & economically stratified societies, centralized governments, writing, technology, evolution of germs). And proximate factors were what’s responsible from Europe’s conquest of Americas, Australia.
Jared lays out the logic behind his argument very well. He supports it with very rich examples. His mind’s brilliance can be seen from the smart questions that he raised. Overall, the book changed the way I looked at how the continents developed so far historically, economically, socially, and politically. I learned a lot. I think it is must-read.
Finally, I have to add one thing that Jared refers to ‘evolution’ as a scientific truth although in reality it hasn’t been proven yet and is just a hypothesis. But this does not affect the validity of his main argument related to continent’s development history.
