Guns, Germs, and Steel

It has been suggested that human inequality is the result of some types of people being biologically inferior to others. On what grounds does Diamond challenge this line of thinking? And why is this an important issue?

A geographical area known as the Fertile Crescent has been identified as a hotspot of early food production. Can you explain some of the reasons why this area enjoyed such success while other regions faltered?

It may seem common sense for societies to adopt innovations that have been found to be useful. However, Diamond refers to some innovations that were not, or still have not been, adopted in particular societies—despite their usefulness. Why might this be the case? What kind of motives could cause people to resist such innovations?

Diamond refers to food production as an auto-catalytic process. What does he mean by this? And what is its broader social significance?

In Chapter 3, Diamond describes a historical battle in which an Incan emperor, Atahuallpa, and his vast army were defeated by a tiny band of Spanish conquistadors. How can we explain this turn of events? What respective strengths and weaknesses led to the Spanish triumphing over their opponents?

It is sometimes the case that regions located close to one another differ greatly in terms of ecology and culture, while regions much further apart possess greater similarities. How can we explain this disparity? Are there any geographical issues that exert an influence in this respect?

Diamond points to the role of disease epidemics in establishing the “haves and have-nots” of history, but what caused such germs develop in the first place? And why have they had a greater impact within some cultures/regions than others?

In what ways, if any, did religion help with the establishment and successful functioning of states?