A Short History of Progress by Ronald Wright available @ Amazon.com
What is the difference between our 21st century global civilization, the ancient Sumerians, the Easter Islanders of Cook’s day, empirical Rome, or the Maya civilization. Answer, not much. The last four are all societies that had their heyday, become stuck in a paradigm, and then brought ecological disaster on themselves via overpopulation and over exploitation of natural resources. “Each time history repeats itself, the price goes up”, Wrights quotes from some pertinent graffiti. The cost this time could be in the billions of souls.
This a short book 132 pages of actual text with another 68 or so of footnotes at the end. It is a mad rush through human history exploring the collapse of those civilizations and a couple that have been more sustainable. Continue reading “A Short History of Progress”
Okay here is the deal in a nutshell. If you think the probability of a deity being a Flying Spaghetti Monster (FSM) is on equal par with a deity being Allah, Jesus, Jehovah, or whomever then you will find this book entertaining. If that thought offends you will in all unlikely not enjoy this book. Personally, in the last situation, I think you should read the book just to see what the other side thinks and believes.
I’m not sure how this book came to my attention, it’s not my usual read. It’s told from the point of view of , Enzo, an aging dog as he recounts his doggie life. He is a dog philosopher and expounds on his view of humanity and our views. He is frustrated with his lack of anatomical ability to communicate to his humans and is left with doggie drool and gestures. 
I don’t normally read books on war or military actions. I originally started to read this book because my mother’s brother is Paul Henry Carr. He died in this battle.
I read this book for two reasons. First, I’ve appointed myself the task of learning about the various world religions. Secondly, I have an Arabic friend (stay away Homeland Security) who is Muslim, and I wanted to understand where he was coming from a little better.
This is an easy book to read. This is a hard book to read. It is easy in that it is well written, not overly dense, and well researched. It is hard in that if you have not thought about this issue or have and attempted to compartmentalize it away, some of scenes and practices depicted will not sit easy.
I just finished reading a book by Susan Blackmore, The Meme Machine.