[FRIAM] Democracy and evolution

[David Breecker]

I'll second that.  And add that in addition to its "popularity" and accessibility, Collapse (like Guns, Germs, & Steel before it) is meticulously well-researched and argued.  Diamond is a fine scientist as well as a very good writer.  Both books are recommended to anyone interested in these issues who may not have read them.  

As Paul has pointed out in a previous post, Collapse actually offers concrete suggestions as to what societies can and must do to avoid this outcome.
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  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: PPARYSKI at aol.com 
  To: friam at redfish.com 
  Sent: Saturday, December 09, 2006 9:38 PM
  Subject: Re: [FRIAM] Democracy and evolution


  Phil et al: I believe one of the key "popular" books which addresses these issues of continuing economic expansion based on an exploitation of natural resources with no regard to the environment and the natural systems on which we all depend, is Jared Diamond's Collapse.  In my mind, the economic systems that we have produced cannot continue much longer and, if not us, our children and grandchildren will face a much different, more difficult, more dangerous world.  The proper use of some of our existing tools, such as communication, computers, modeling, complexity/chaos theories may help if they are properly applied and not just used to reinforce the current systems. 

  For those of you who heard Ian's presentation on group animal movement, we might consider humanity to be more akin to locusts, who form swarms out of individual hunger and by biting their neighbors to move the group.  Sigh.  Something to think about anyway.

  Paul Paryski  


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