具體描述
作 者:(美)戴濛德;江瀅 葉臻 定 價:58 齣 版 社:上海譯文齣版社 齣版日期:2011年09月01日 頁 數:659 裝 幀:平裝 ISBN:9787532755127 ●前言兩個農場的故事
●部分 現代濛大拿
● 濛大拿蒼穹下
●第二部分過去社會
●第二章 復活節島的薄暮
●第三章 的人類:皮特凱恩島和漢德森島
●第四章 舊日支配者:阿納薩茲人和他們的鄰居
●第五章 馬雅文明的崩潰
●第六章 維京的前奏與賦格
●第七章 格陵蘭維京社會的繁榮
●第八章 格陵蘭維京社會的終麯
●第九章 另闢蹊徑,開拓成功之路
●●第三部分 現代社會
●第十章 馬爾薩斯在非洲:盧旺達的種族屠殺
●第十一章 一座島嶼,兩個民族,兩種曆史:多米尼加共和國和海地
●第十二章 中國:搖擺不定的巨人
●第十三章 “開采”澳大利亞
●●第四部分 實踐教訓
●部分目錄
內容簡介
2003年,沙塵暴從內濛古橫襲整個*國大陸。2004年,南亞大海嘯奪走22萬條人命。2005年,卡特裏娜颶風侵襲美國新奧爾良引發世紀大遷徙。21××年,地球村大崩潰?為什麼復活節島人能竪起令人驚嘆的巨石人像,卻無法避免森林殆盡、物種滅絕的命運?為什麼同樣是生活在格陵蘭島上,中世紀的維京社會漸漸走嚮消亡,而當地的因紐特人卻延存至今?今天,一些人類社會也因麵臨類似的問題而生靈塗炭、傢園殘破,就像盧旺達和海地發生的悲劇,即使那風景如畫、人間天堂般的美國濛大拿州,也早已危機四伏。麵對這一切,我們該如何抉擇,纔能避免自己走上崩潰之路?《崩潰:社會如何選擇成敗興亡》為戴濛德繼《槍炮、病菌與鋼鐵》後的又一巨製,格局宏大、鞭闢入裏,多有對文明悲劇的憂患之思,可謂是21世紀全人類的求生之書。 (美)戴濛德;江瀅 葉臻 賈雷德?戴濛德(Jared Diamond),加利福尼亞大學洛杉磯分校醫學院生理學教授,美國藝術與科學院、國傢科學院院士,是當代少數幾位探究人類社會與文明的思想傢之一。戴濛德的研究使他獲奬無數,包括美國國傢科學奬、美國國傢地理學會伯爾奬、泰勒環境貢獻奬、日本靠前環境和諧奬和麥阿瑟基金會研究基金。戴濛德的代錶作《槍炮、病菌與鋼鐵》探討瞭人類社會不平等的起源和地理成因,獲1998年美國普利策奬和英國科普圖書奬。 五點框架中的很後一點涉及的是一個極具普遍意義的問題:不管所麵臨的問題是否與環境相關,社會該如何作齣迴應?即便是類似的問題,不同社會采取的迴應之道往往有所不同。就拿森林退化這一問題來說,新幾內亞高地、日本、蒂科皮亞島和湯加島等都曾遇到過,它們采用成功的森林管理方法化險為夷;相形之下,復活節島、波利尼西亞群島中的芒阿雷瓦及格陵蘭的維京社會卻因為沒能找到相應對策而走嚮消亡。我們是如何理解這些不同的結局呢?一個社會的應對之道取決於其政治、經濟、社會製度和文化價值觀,這些製度和價值觀影響到社會能否解決其麵對的問題(或是否嘗試去解決問題)。本書將從這五點框架入手來探討過去人類社會的興衰成敗。
應該加以補充的是,正如一個社會的崩潰不一定是由氣候變化、強鄰在側、友邦失勢等因素造成的,環境破壞也並不一定是等
《文明的十字路口:曆史的迴響與未來的抉擇》 序言:當文明低語時,我們能否聽見? 曆史的長河波瀾壯闊,其中不乏輝煌的成就,也充斥著令人扼腕的衰亡。從古埃及金字塔的宏偉,到羅馬帝國的擴張,再到瑪雅文明的神秘消失,人類文明的興衰更迭,如同潮起潮落,總是在重復著某種相似的模式。這些曾經屹立於世界之巔的文明,最終為何走嚮瞭沒落?是天災人禍,還是內部的腐朽?是技術的停滯,還是思想的僵化?抑或是,它們在某個關鍵的十字路口,做齣瞭錯誤的選擇,導緻瞭最終的崩塌? 《文明的十字路口:曆史的迴響與未來的抉擇》並非要講述一個關於“崩潰”的悲觀預言,而是試圖以一種審慎而深刻的視角,去解讀那些決定文明命運的“瞬間”。這些瞬間,並非突如其來的劇變,而是日積月纍的徵兆,是微小裂痕最終蔓延成鴻溝的轉摺。本書將帶領讀者穿越時空,深入探索不同文明在麵對內部挑戰與外部衝擊時,所展現齣的智慧與短視,所做齣的取捨與放棄,以及這些選擇如何塑造瞭它們的軌跡,最終將它們引嚮繁榮的頂峰,或是走嚮衰亡的幽榖。 我們並非沉溺於對過去的哀嘆,而是希望從曆史的迴響中,汲取寶貴的經驗與教訓。每一個曾經輝煌的文明,都曾是其時代的弄潮兒,都曾麵臨著無數的誘惑與睏境。它們在擴張、創新、治理、文化傳承等多個層麵所進行的探索,留下瞭豐富的遺産,也留下瞭深刻的警示。理解這些文明的“興”與“衰”,並非為瞭證明曆史的宿命論,而是為瞭更好地理解我們自身所處的時代,以及我們正在做齣的選擇。 本書的寫作,旨在點燃讀者對曆史的求知欲,引發對現實的深度思考。我們相信,人類文明的未來,並非預設的劇本,而是由當下每一個個體的選擇所共同譜寫。通過審視過去的輝煌與暗影,我們可以更好地認識自己,認識我們所構建的社會,並最終,做齣更明智的抉擇,去迎接一個更具韌性與活力的未來。 第一章:文明的基石:何以興盛? 任何文明的興起,都絕非偶然。它們往往建立在堅實的基礎之上,這些基礎包括但不限於: 地理與資源優勢: fertile river valleys like the Nile, Tigris-Euphrates, and Indus provided abundant food, enabling population growth and specialization. Access to trade routes, raw materials like metal ores and timber, also played a crucial role in early economic development and military strength. The Silk Road, for instance, facilitated cultural exchange and economic prosperity for numerous civilizations. 製度與治理的創新: The development of effective legal systems, centralized governments, and administrative structures were vital for maintaining order, collecting taxes, and organizing large-scale projects. Hammurabi’s Code, Roman law, and the Han Dynasty's bureaucratic system are prime examples of sophisticated governance that fostered stability and growth. 思想與文化的繁榮: The emergence of influential philosophies, religions, and artistic expressions not only provided a shared identity and moral framework but also spurred intellectual curiosity and innovation. The Axial Age, with the rise of Confucianism, Buddhism, Greek philosophy, and prophetic Judaism, profoundly shaped the course of human thought and civilization. Scientific and technological advancements, from the invention of the printing press to the development of new agricultural techniques, were often driven by these intellectual currents. 社會結構的韌性: A well-organized society with clear social hierarchies, specialized labor, and mechanisms for social mobility (even if limited) could harness the collective energy of its population effectively. The caste system in India, while rigid, provided a structured division of labor, and the guild system in medieval Europe fostered skilled craftsmanship and economic interdependence. 軍事與擴張的實力: While not always the sole determinant, military prowess and the ability to defend borders or expand influence often contributed to a civilization’s survival and dominance. The disciplined legions of Rome, the Mongol cavalry, and the naval power of the British Empire are testament to this. However, excessive reliance on military expansion without addressing internal weaknesses could also be a precursor to decline. 第二章:裂痕的初現:潛藏的危機 盛世之下,往往暗流湧動。文明的衰落並非一蹴而就,而是一個漸進的過程,其潛藏的危機可能在繁榮時期便已悄然滋生: 資源枯竭與環境惡化: Overexploitation of natural resources, deforestation, soil erosion, and unsustainable agricultural practices could undermine the very foundation of a civilization. The deforestation and subsequent salinization that plagued Mesopotamia, or the potential role of drought in the decline of the Anasazi, highlight the delicate balance between human activity and the environment. 社會不平等與內部衝突: Extreme disparities in wealth and power, coupled with growing social unrest, can create deep divisions within a society, weakening its cohesion. Peasant revolts, class struggles, and the rise of powerful, self-serving elites can destabilize even the most robust states. The French Revolution, though a later phenomenon, illustrates the explosive potential of deep-seated social inequality. 製度的僵化與效率低下: As societies grow larger and more complex, their administrative and political structures can become unwieldy, bureaucratic, and resistant to change. Corruption, inefficiency, and a disconnect between the ruling class and the populace can lead to a loss of public trust and a diminished capacity to respond to challenges. The late Roman Empire's struggle with rampant bureaucracy and corruption is a classic example. 思想的保守與創新的停滯: A society that clings to outdated ideologies, rejects new ideas, or suppresses intellectual inquiry can stifle innovation and adaptability. Dogmatism, intellectual elitism, and the fear of challenging established norms can lead to a decline in scientific progress, artistic creativity, and the ability to solve new problems. The Ottoman Empire's resistance to adopting Western scientific advancements is often cited in this context. 外部壓力與內部脆弱性的疊加: While external threats like invasions or natural disasters can be devastating, they often exploit existing internal weaknesses. A strong, unified civilization can withstand external pressures, but a society already fractured by internal strife or resource scarcity is far more vulnerable. The Viking raids on Anglo-Saxon England, while significant, occurred against a backdrop of internal political fragmentation. 第三章:抉擇的十字路口:當文明麵臨考驗 曆史中的每一個文明,都曾在關鍵時刻麵臨著十字路口的抉擇。這些抉擇,或許是主動的策略調整,或許是被動的應對,它們深刻地影響瞭文明的未來走嚮。 擴張與內斂的平衡: Should a civilization prioritize outward expansion and conquest, or focus on consolidating its existing territory and resources? The Roman Empire’s relentless expansion, while initially successful, eventually stretched its resources and defenses too thin. Conversely, some civilizations that adopted a more isolationist approach might miss opportunities for growth and learning. 擁抱變革與堅守傳統: When faced with new technologies, ideologies, or social structures, should a civilization adapt and integrate them, or resist and preserve its existing ways? The Meiji Restoration in Japan exemplifies a successful embrace of Western technology and political reforms to modernize the nation, while many other societies struggled to adapt. 治理的民主與集權的權衡: Should power be concentrated in the hands of a few, or distributed more broadly? The rise and fall of democratic experiments and autocratic regimes throughout history offer varied lessons on the long-term stability and responsiveness of different governance models. 文化的包容與排斥: How does a civilization interact with other cultures and peoples? Is it open to cultural exchange and assimilation, or does it prioritize cultural purity and exclusion? The multicultural success of Alexandria contrasted with the eventual collapse of empires that fostered extreme xenophobia offers different perspectives. 經濟發展的可持續性: Should economic growth be pursued at any cost, or should it be balanced with environmental considerations and social equity? The long-term consequences of unchecked industrialization and resource depletion are a recurring theme in historical analysis. 第四章:迴響與啓示:從過往中學習 研究過去的文明,並非是為瞭滿足獵奇心理,而是為瞭從中汲取智慧,洞察人類的普遍規律,並為我們當下的決策提供藉鑒。 韌性:文明的生命綫: The most enduring civilizations were often those that possessed a high degree of resilience – the ability to adapt, innovate, and recover from adversity. This resilience stemmed from flexible institutions, a dynamic intellectual culture, and a capacity for collective action. 警惕的信號: History is replete with warning signs that, if heeded, could have averted disaster. Ignoring signs of environmental degradation, social unrest, or political corruption proved to be a fatal flaw for many civilizations. 創新與失傳: The cycle of innovation and sometimes, the loss of knowledge, is a constant. Understanding how new ideas emerged, spread, and were sometimes suppressed or forgotten can inform our efforts to foster and preserve knowledge today. 人類的普適性: Despite the vast diversity of human cultures, certain fundamental needs and challenges appear to be universal: the need for security, for meaning, for social connection, and for sustainable existence. Examining how different civilizations addressed these needs can offer profound insights into the human condition. 結語:我們能否書寫新的篇章? 《文明的十字路口:曆史的迴響與未來的抉擇》並非一部終結性的斷言,而是一份誠摯的邀請。邀請讀者一同踏上這段穿越時空的旅程,去傾聽那些古老文明的低語,去感受它們曾經的脈搏,去審視它們在關鍵時刻的抉擇。 我們相信,人類文明並非注定走嚮衰亡的宿命論。相反,正是那些在我們過去的經驗中留下的教訓,賦予瞭我們預見和規避風險的能力。每一個曾經輝煌的文明,都曾是我們探索人類潛能的先驅。它們的故事,是我們集體記憶的一部分,是地圖上標注的航綫,也是警示我們遠離暗礁的燈塔。 在這個瞬息萬變的時代,我們同樣站在一個又一個的十字路口。技術革新日新月異,全球挑戰層齣不窮,社會結構不斷重塑。我們所做的每一個選擇,無論大小,都在書寫著人類文明的新篇章。通過深入理解曆史的迴響,我們有能力做齣更明智、更具遠見的抉擇,去構建一個更可持續、更公平、更充滿活力的未來。 本書旨在喚醒我們對自身所處時代深刻的認知,鼓勵我們以曆史為鏡,以智慧為引,共同塑造一個能夠應對挑戰、擁抱機遇,並最終邁嚮更加輝煌未來的文明。因為,文明的命運,終究掌握在我們自己手中。