First published 2013
For millions of years, humanity lived in societies radically different from our own. In The World Until Yesterday, Jared Diamond takes us on a mesmerizing journey back in time, drawing on his decades of fieldwork to reveal the fascinating realities of traditional cultures. From child-rearing practices to dispute resolution, these societies offer insights that can transform our modern lives. But Diamond doesn't romanticize the past—he also examines the harsher aspects of traditional life, guiding us to a deeper understanding of the human experience. Ultimately, this book is a provocative and enlightening exploration of what we can learn from the world until yesterday.
Genres: history, sociology, world-history, anthropology, non-fiction, cultural-studies
Vibes: educational, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: educational, informative
Setting: Papua New Guinea
544 pages · Paperback · Penguin Books