The Humble Potato | The Root Of Empires | 1

In this book, Peter Frankopan delves into the intricate relationship between human history and environmental factors, spanning from the dawn of time to the present day. He discusses how climatic events, natural disasters, and human actions have interwoven to shape empires, civilizations, and the modern world. The book highlights the impact of environmental factors on historical events, such as the rise and fall of empires, and cautions about the current and future consequences of human actions on the climate. Frankopan's work is praised for its breadth, depth, and nuanced approach to environmental history.

Published in 1776, 'The Wealth of Nations' is Adam Smith's magnum opus that laid the groundwork for modern economics. The book critiques mercantilist economic theories and introduces the concept of the 'invisible hand,' which describes how individual self-interest leads to societal benefit. It emphasizes the division of labor, the accumulation of capital, and the importance of free markets. Smith argues that a nation's wealth is not measured by its gold and silver reserves but by the stream of goods and services it produces. The book also outlines the core functions of government, such as maintaining defense, enforcing civil law, and promoting education, while advocating for limited government intervention in market activities.