67 pages • 2 hours read
The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity
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Book Brief
704
Book • Nonfiction
Global • Prehistoric Times
2021
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In their 2021 book The Dawn of Everything, David Graeber and David Wengrow challenge traditional narratives about the development of human societies, arguing that early human organization was more complex and varied than previously thought. They examine archaeological and anthropological evidence to debunk myths about the inevitability of hierarchical structures and social inequality, suggesting instead that early societies exhibited significant fluidity and democratic principles. The book also explores how Indigenous critiques of European culture influenced Enlightenment ideals and provides diverse examples from ancient civilizations around the world.
Informative
Contemplative
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
27,260 ratings
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Review Roundup
The Dawn of Everything by David Graeber and David Wengrow is praised for its bold re-evaluation of human history, challenging conventional narratives about the development of societies. Reviewers commend its engaging prose and rigorous scholarship but acknowledge that its ambitious scope can occasionally lead to speculative interpretations. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read that stimulates debate.
Who Should Read The Dawn of Everything?
A reader captivated by The Dawn of Everything by David Graeber and David Wengrow likely enjoys thought-provoking, paradigm-challenging histories and anthropologies. Fans of Jared Diamond's Guns, Germs, and Steel or Yuval Noah Harari's Sapiens will appreciate this book's robust investigation into human history and societal development.
27,260 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
David Wengrow
David Wengrow
Wengrow is a comparative archaeologist specializing in the emergence of civilizations. He teaches at University College London and has published works like _What Makes Civilization?_ and _The Origins of Monsters_. He collaborated with David Graeber on _The Dawn of Everything_.
Thomas Hobbes
Thomas Hobbes
Hobbes was an influential political philosopher whose work, particularly _Leviathan_, emphasized the need for state control over society. His ideas, critiqued by Graeber and Wengrow, suggest that humans are inherently selfish, which informs modern political thinking.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Rousseau was a Swiss philosopher known for his idea of humanity's "State of Nature" as detailed in _Discourse on the Origin and the Foundation of Inequality Among Mankind_. His theories, along with Hobbes's, are critiqued by Graeber and Wengrow for oversimplifying human history and the origins of social inequality.
704
Book • Nonfiction
Global • Prehistoric Times
2021
Adult
18+ years
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