Ancient futures

The book is divided into two parts.

The first part describes the traditional life of the people in Ladakh before the influx of Western ideas and material goods, highlighting their high social status, strong family and community ties, and harmonious relationship with the environment.

The second part documents the changes brought about by modernization, including environmental destruction, social disruption, and economic instability.

Norberg-Hodge argues that the one-dimensional view of progress favored by economists and development experts has masked the negative impacts of economic growth and led to a misunderstanding of the situation of rural communities.

The book ends on a hopeful note, suggesting that there is room for optimism and growth as people strive to preserve their cultural heritage in the face of globalization.