

Why you should listen

In his books Guns, Germs and Steel and Collapse (and the popular PBS and National Geographic documentaries they inspired), big-picture scholar Jared Diamond explores civilizations and why they all seem to fall. Now in his latest book, The World Until Yesterday, Diamond examines small, traditional, tribal societies -- and suggests that modern civilization is only our latest solution to survival.
Diamond’s background in evolutionary biology, geography and physiology informs his integrated vision of human history. He posits that success -- and failure -- depends on how well societies adapt to their changing environment.

What others say

“Diamond eschews the grand canvas to offer an empathetic portrait of human survival and adaptability” — Publisher’s Weekly, Sept. 17, 2012

Jared Diamond’s TED talks

More news and ideas from Jared Diamond


What it’s like to grow old, in different parts of the world

November 25, 2013

The world’s population is getting older. Across the globe, people are living longer thanks to improvements in healthcare, nutrition and technology. This population shift brings with it incredible possibilities, but also a new set of challenges. How do we care for our elderly? In today’s talk, Jared Diamond examines the vast differences in how societies […]

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Global Issues

How societies grow old: Jared Diamond at TED2013

March 1, 2013


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