EVOLUTION OF CIVILIZATIONS, THE [Hardcover]

 

 

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This is a fascinating book and definitely worth the time and money. In the beginning of the book, Quigley makes the case for the introduction of the scientific method to the social sciences. As a matter of fact, the first 170 pages of the book lays the rationale behind and need for analytical tools to study history. He states that the alternative would be just the presentation of facts with no explanation for what is actually happening. One needs to know what is happening to be able to determine which facts to present, which requires analytical tools. The first 170 pages also deal with distinctions between societies and civilizations, as well as between parasitic and productive societies. He defines civilizations as producing societies with an instrument of expansion
He then states that civilizations proceed through the following stages:
1. Mixture - different societies come into contact and produce a society with an outlook different from any of the parts.
2. Gestation - the period of time between the mixing of the different societies and the expansion of the civilization.
3. Expansion - the surplus generated by the society is invested in activities that benefit the civilization. This can include an increase in knowledge, increase in area, technological advancements that increase efficiency, etc. Civilizations have different instruments of expansion. He calls a social organization or unit an instrument if it meets social needs.
4. Age of Conflict - The rate of increase using the social instrument slows down which brings interesting times. The instrument can be reformed or a new instrument consistent with the civilization's outlook can circumvent the old instrument. If reform is achieved, a new age of expansion begins. If the vested interests of the previous instument of expansion increasingly consume resources while serving no social needs, Quigley says that the instrument has then become an institution. Expansion can continue, but it is at the expense of neighbors, which leads to imperialist wars. When the vested interests have crushed all internal opposition, the next stage appears.
5. Universal Empire - typically a state or politcal unit on the peripheral of the civilization gains power over the whole civilization. The illusion of a golden age appears. The social organization remains stagnant.
6. Decay - lack of belief in the civilization's outlook or inability to meet needs of the people leads to people opting out of the system.
7. Invasion - external forces disrupt the civilization's social organization and it is unable or unwilling to defend itself. That spells the end of the civilization.
The civilizations that he analyzes are the following: Mesopotamian, Caananite and Minoan, Classical, and Western. His examples are excellent as is his analysis. I particularly liked his example of the the Pythagorian rationalists love for rationality went beyond their love for the truth, as a disciple of Pythagoras proved the irrationality of reality using the Pythagorean theorem. We have that lot to blame for discrediting the scientific method for about two thousand years!
A very enjoyable read!

This is a history book like no others. The author developed a detailed model of civilization life cycle analysis. According to him, civilizations pass through 7 predictable stages. Typically the 7th and last stage of one civilization is the first stage of another one that is succeeding the first dying civilization.

Using his model, he analyzes in detail the life cycle of several major civilizations, including: the Mesopotamian, Minoan, Classical, Russian, and Western.

Reading this book almost feels like uncovering a manuscript of secret knowledge. Although I have read quite a bit on this subject, other historians and authors rarely refer to Quigley. Yet, I feel that he is the giant within his field of historical analysis. And, that his model could serve well in better understanding current affairs.

The first fifty pages start off a little slowly. Then things absolutely take off. This is a masterpiece of historical analysis. Quigley breaks down the evolution of a civilization into seven stages. He explains each category, and lists typical examples of events that occur in each category. Quigley then expands into several civilizations including; Mesopotamian, Canaanite, Classical, and Western civilization. He lists examples of each society, as they move through the seven different phases of social evolution.

Anyone that enjoys reading history, will find Quigley`s evaluation fascinating. The rise and fall of societies, the motivations for warfare, religious outlooks, pursuit of science, technological innovations, and much more, all get tied together.

Quigley`s goal as teacher was to get his students thinking. He did not want them to just digest information. Well trust me on this one folks, this book we get you contemplating on all sorts of ideas.

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2.0 out of 5 stars Tragedy and Hope
Read Quigleys Tragedy and Hope. Its a much more important book(especially the 2nd 600 pgs) and a better read too. Read more

Published on Nov 21 2003 by clootsvsjesus

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book of signicant importance
While the content of the book was described in other reviews and I don't want to repeat it, I want to confirm that I also think that this book is of significant importance for the... Read more

Published on Nov 15 2003 by H. Raeder

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