The book explores the origins and development of civilization, focusing on the parallel growth of Egypt and Mesopotamia. It delves into the interactions between these societies, their guiding principles, and how their histories have shaped modern perceptions of civilization.
The target group for this book are individuals interested in history, particularly the origins and development of civilizations, and how these ancient societies relate to modern concepts of civilization.
Buy the book
Civilizations are dynamic entities that rise, fall, merge, and disappear over time.
The origin of writing systems can be primarily attributed to bureaucratic necessities rather than the need for representing language.
To understand cross-cultural relationships it is crucial to consider the social and ecological imperatives of civilizations.
The concept of kingship, once grounded in divine sanction, has been reshaped by societal norms and ideologies, pushing it from a central societal pillar to the margins of historical consciousness.
The modern reception of the ancient Near East, a paradoxical birthplace and antithesis of civilization, shapes our understanding of the past and future through a complex interplay of historical, cultural, and ideological factors.
Cultural borrowings, encompassing material goods to ideologies, profoundly shape and evolve civilizations, as evidenced by the parallel development of Egypt and Mesopotamia.
Everyday practices are the overlooked building blocks of civilizations, shaping them from the ground up and enduring through time and change.
The ancient Near East is not just a historical curiosity, but a vital part of modern Europe's cultural DNA, underscoring the complexity of cultural exchange and interconnectedness of human history.
The conventional view of the ancient Near East as merely the cradle of Western civilization should be reexamined.
David Wengrow's "What Makes Civilization?" explores the origins and development of civilization, focusing on the ancient Near East. Wengrow challenges the conventional view of isolated civilizations, arguing instead for a complex network of social and technological interactions that shaped societies. He emphasizes the importance of everyday practices in the formation of civilizations and highlights the continuities that transcend our conventional distinctions between prehistory and history. Wengrow also reflects on the concept of civilization itself, its implications in the modern world, and the ideological struggles it incites.
David Wengrow is a renowned British archaeologist and anthropologist. He is a professor at University College London, specializing in early civilizations and the history of human societies.
The book When Breath Becomes Air (2016) is about a neurosurgeon's journey from life to death, as he faces his own mortality after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. It is a poignant and inspiring memoir that reminds us to live life to the fullest and find meaning in the face of adversity.
"Palestine Speaks" is a collection of narratives that highlight the personal stories and experiences of Palestinians living under Israeli occupation. It provides a human perspective to the political and social issues in the region.
The book The Paradox of Choice (2004) is about how more choices do not always lead to more happiness. In fact, having too many options can be overwhelming and cause us to second-guess our decisions, ultimately leaving us feeling less satisfied with our choices.
The book The Righteous Mind (2012) is about understanding the moral psychology of different cultures and political ideologies. Jonathan Haidt argues that our moral judgments are based on intuition and emotion rather than conscious reasoning, and that exploring this can help us bridge political divides and find common ground.
The book Hillbilly Elegy (2016) is about the personal journey of J.D. Vance, a self-made man who grew up in the Appalachian region of Ohio. He shares his experiences and reflections on the struggles and complexities of the working-class white Americans, offering a thought-provoking insight into the social and cultural issues of our time.
