The average user rating for this Book is 7.7 out of 10 (based on 19 Votes).
Eric H gave it a9: In Collapse, Jared Diamond seeks to provide a scientific study based on historical evidence rather than simply recounting history. He presents a convincing argument that past mistakes in ecological management that led to societal collapse should be studied in detail and compared to problems faced by modern societies. One past civilization chronicled in Collapse is that of the Polynesian inhabitants of Easter Island. Previous explanations for the construction of colossal monuments and eventual demise of the Easter Islanders included such hypotheses as extraterrestrial intervention, but Diamond chose to take a scientific approach to explaining the lost civilization. Diamond’s explanation focuses mainly on poor ecological management with one of the key factors being deforestation. The deforestation of Easter Island was parameterized according to several pieces of verifiable data including climate change, precipitation, and soil replenishment in the form of volcanic ash. Diamond’s conclusion that the Easter Islanders were, in a sense, ecologically doomed from the start is strongly backed by a wide range of data and support studies. Ultimately, though, Diamond argues that the demise of the Easter Islanders was a result of mismanagement of resources and failure to respond to environmental crisis. Several examples of societies, such as Japan, that were able to respond to environmental change and adopt a more sustainable lifestyle are contrasted with the collapsed societies in hope of quantifying the factors that promoted survival. Diamond concludes the volume with a detailed look at some modern societies, both in first and third world nations, facing troubling ecological issues similar to those that led to the eventual failure of past civilizations. Collapse is not just a history book. Collapse details a lengthy scientific study hoping to provide readers with a global view of environmental history. Diamond’s argument is well thought out and rational, staying well away from giving the impression that the sky is falling. The reader is persuaded that the ecological problems of the past are similar to those faced by modern society; though, modern problems are much more global in scale than those faced historically. Collapse ponders the question of how modern civilization will respond to such problems as climate change, increasingly polluted oceans, and depleted farmland. I give Collapse a rating of 9.25 out of a possible 10. The book is well crafted and easily read, but I feel that the conclusion could have been stronger. Throughout the book, Diamond paints a vivid, scientifically corroborated view of struggling past societies. The analysis is detailed and rational. The conclusion presents a similar portrayal of modern societies facing ecological crisis or devastation, such as genocide in the case of Rwanda, seemingly urged on by ecological problems. While the connection between past and present collapses is implied, Diamond strays from his scientific quantification of variables when making the connection. The conclusion would have been better used in providing a global scale quantification of modern problems, rather than the smattering of current environmental issues facing the world.
Trey W gave it an8: Not as eye-opening as Guns, Germs, and Steel, but it certainly presents some thought-provoking history. Unfortunately the conclusion doesn't tie the past to the present as clearly as I would have liked.
Jona D gave it a9: This outstanding book takes you on a interesting travel through failing and succesfull societies which makes you reflect on the road we're currently on.
Tom P gave it a9: Diamond is one of my heroes as an ecologist and a scientist. He considers multiple hypotheses, to avoid the trap of a single favorite hyopothesis. He uses natural experiments, especially well with the Greenland Norse vs. Inuits and Hipaniola Haitans vs. Dominancan Republicans and so answers those who say he is an environmental determinist.
John K gave it a10: A great yet difficult read which I am proud for finishing. Diamond makes his case well, then leaves the verdict to the jury/reader. It take great courage for an author to so heavy handily lay ou the evidence in such a subjective manner, then leave the reader nearly dangling. If Diamond's goal is to instill a sense of mystery in the reader, he suceeds hand down.
Neil N gave it an8: Great, Eduacational, a little weak in driving home the environemntal points he was alludng to and we assume he cares about......
David S gave it a10: well-grounded conclusions
Ryan K gave it a10: This is an incredibly well thought out, comprehensive look at societies both in the past and present. A worthy follow-up to Diamond's masterpiece Guns, Germs and Steel.
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