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55. Jared Diamond on the Downfall of Civilizations — and His Optimism for Ours

People I (Mostly) Admire

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From Physiology to History: A Scholar's Journey

This chapter follows the intellectual evolution of a distinguished figure who transitioned from studying gallbladders to becoming a prominent thinker in human history. It highlights their diverse academic interests, challenges in engaging wider audiences, and the interplay between scholarly precision and public communication. Utilizing innovative research methods, the chapter illustrates how tree ring studies can reveal historical climatic patterns linked to significant events like the rise of Genghis Khan.

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