Thesis:
Jared Diamond, Ian Morris, and Robert Gordon present different views of the forces and outcomes of the pattern and pace of growth, with Diamond focusing on geography as the ultimate destiny, Morris putting more emphasis on geography until relatively recently. Gordon blaming technological factors including the ability to overcome geographic limitations predominantly for the economic expansion until the present times. As both share standard features, geography and technology, their perspectives shake up regarding the relevance of these two in future growth and their consequences.
Introduction:
Knowing what determines the economic development of a civilization is the key to understanding the outcome of the growth of civilizations in history. Jared Diamond, Ian Morris, and Robert Gordon have a unique standpoint concerning the politics of geography, technology’s influence, and organized societies in growth scenarios. Diamond highlights factors of geography the most, yet Morris also accentuates its abiding importance; Gordon focuses on the role of technology in the past as well. Through this essay, I will analogize and discriminate among their stances. The causes and consequences of growth and the results of growth will be discussed, in addition to what tells about the future.
Geography as Destiny:
The geography that is ignored is, at the same time, one of the most important factors in the success and failure of civilizations. Both Jared Diamond and Ian Morris highlight geographical factors that differentiate regions of the world as the major factors in the formation of empires and the rise of civilizations. Diamond believes that geography has the most significant impact on the history and future of civilizations because specific locations with natural resources and navigable waterways have survived and even excelled (Diamond 339). He notes in his extraordinary work “Guns, Germs, and Steel” that the nature of the natural resources and the water bodies that can be used for trade helped societies to grow to the level they are up to. Places which are rich in fertile land, lavish plants and animals, and freshwater, such as rivers and seas, benefited from the first humans. They have helped with manipulating plants and animals for farming, trade between different communities, and the development of technology. This is demonstrated, for example, in the Fertile Crescent in the Middle East, which has been described as a nursery of civilization due to its abundance of crops and proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. Contrary to these conditions, which aided the progress of the regions, is a scenario in which the other regions encountered more challenges.
Morris has a similar emphasis on geography as Diamond, mainly when illustrating the pivotal role that western Eurasia had due to the nearby rivers, the Black and Caspian Seas, and the Mediterranean that united with the United Sea of India. Trying to dig up the roots of this phenomenon, Morris incorporates his theory in his latest “Why the West rules—for Now”. The interdependence of rivers like the Nile, Tigris, and Euphrates helped to create wealth in the form of surplus through food production, urbanization, and trade, hence, specialization. Also, the Mediterranean allowed for the sea pathway for cities to trade with each other, thereby permitting cultural exchange (Gordon 57at Western Eurasia did not face challenges of the freezing climate or combats with nomadic horse riders why numerous empires, science discoveries and economic prosperity in the region had become possible.
Through geography, Diamond and Morris make the case that the idea gave an initial boost to trade and agricultural advantages, which further led to inequality of society in the areas where they had to deal with geographical limitations. In the Andes Mountain Range in South America, the case led to poor communication and a limited exchange of ideas (Diamond 339). The immense Sahara tempted the trans-Saharan trade route,tes and t, as there were problems in such a trade.
They go on through time, thus providing a basis for the divergence of civilizations. In other words, this type of geographical diversity gives rise to divergent development trajectories among civilizations. Without a doubt, geography is not the sole player underlying a course of history and the evolution of society; instead, it defines the framework of societal development. Acclaiming these cultural backgrounds will contribute to recognizing how people’s lives are influenced by nature for as long as it continues.
Technology as Destiny:
Differently, Robert Gordon hypothesized that technology may serve as one of the pillars on which the progress of entire societies rests. For Gordon, more technology was the driving force of the US economy during the Second Industrial Revolution that, at its pinnacle, resulted in unmatched economic growth. He makes a point that inventions, like electricity and communication technologies, have a multiplying effect on productivity not only in factories but also in the utility of individuals (Gordon 57). According to Gordon, the intrusion of these technologies into our lives over the years altered social dynamics for the first time. The world had been swept off the footing of prosperity and progress promoted by technological innovation.
Human Organization and Communication:
Ian Morris and Robert Gordon discuss the importance of human organization and communication in driving societal growth. Morris posits that effective human organization, facilitated by advancements in communication technologies, is paramount for societal advancement. This perspective aligns with Gordon’s emphasis on the transformative role of technological innovation in shaping societal dynamics. Gordon, Both scholars acknowledge the pivotal role of communication in enhancing productivity and fostering societal advancement, albeit within distinct historical contexts (Gordon 57). Their analyses underscore the interconnectedness of human organization, technological innovation, and communication in driving progress and prosperity in societies across different epochs.
Implications for Future Growth:
Jared Diamond’s emphasis on geography implies a sense of determinism regarding future growth prospects. He suggests that inherent geographic advantages may continue to perpetuate disparities in growth between regions (Diamond 339). Diamond’s perspective underscores the enduring influence of geographical factors on shaping the trajectory of civilizations, implying that overcoming such disparities may prove challenging without addressing underlying geographic constraints.
Morris claims that while the diamond has a deterministic view, it needs to be replaced by a shift to geographic determinism for growth assessment prospects in the future. In his argument, Morris stresses the more significant role of technology and humanity,ies which determine future societies (Morris 67). Through his conjuring up of a vision where technology does to innovation what human action does by transforming geographical obstacles, it all comes down to making Morris suggest that any geographical factors will not dictate future growth.
Robert Gordon’s address not only emphasizes the constraining of further perspectives connected to technological advancement for unconditional progress but also highlights the likelihood of happenings (Gordon 132). Although she endorses a central role of technology in fueling former booms in economic trajectory, Gordon stresses that we should es not rely on such simplistic ideas as one of growth for all times. He highlights such strategies as being flexible and adjusting to new problems ranging from technical limitations to low productivity and profits. Gordon’s observation of how he would do it is a wake-up call to prior planning of strategy and consistent pursuit of innovation to deal with uncertainties in future, ensuring sustainable economic growth in the medium term.
Conclusion:
The explanations presented by the trio Ridge, Morris and Gordon score a lot in terms of the causes and consequences of money growth; each shows the relationship between geography, technology, and human organization. Whilst Diamond states the role of geography has remained unwavering, Mor, on the other hand, focuses on its diminishing role in the wake of advances, and Gordon attributes the growth to technological innovation only. Critical reflection on the context of the growth drivers is mandatory for policymakers, which, in turn, helps them arrive at a refined perception of growth and devise appropriate strategies for the future.
Work Cited
Diamond, Jared, and Colin Renfrew. “Guns, germs, and steel: The fates of human societies.” Nature 386.6623 (1997): 339-339.
Gordon, R. (2017). The rise and fall of American growth: The US standard of living since the Civil War. Princeton University Press.
Morris, Ian. Why the West rules for now: The patterns of history and what they reveal about the future. Profile books, 2010.
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