A History of Civilizations

I recently finished reading Fernand Braudel's book with this expansive title and scope.

Absolutely fascinating reading, and highly recommended. It is refreshing to read a book on world history that appears not to have an ideological axe to grind, but tries to present an array of facts in a broadly based context that allows the reader to draw his or her own conclusions.

The conclusion that I was led to is that civilizations evolve based on both their own internal dynamics and their interaction with other civilizations. This is another way of saying that predicting how civilizations will change is beyond current intellectual capabilities -- but change they will.

This is a somewhat unsatisfying conclusion. One is left edified, but with few insights that really help to explain current affairs. In hindsight, one can say: this is why it happened. With foresight, one can only say: something will happen.

Nevertheless, the book is still worth reading.