After Eden: A Short History of the World

In After Eden, John Charles Chasteen explores the origins and persistence of humanity's inhumanity to itself, arguing that we can overcome it by understanding our shared past and looking for inspiration from major periods of co-operation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 19 January 2024
Publisher: WW Norton & Co

After Eden, renowned Latin American historian John Charles Chasteen offers a concise yet comprehensive account of the history of the world, delving into the origins and enduring prevalence of humanity's inhumanity to itself. Where did this phenomenon originate? Why has it been a persistent feature throughout our history? And most importantly, can we overcome it? Chasteen argues that understanding our shared past is crucial to overcoming this challenge. While much of our history is marked by violence, we can draw inspiration from significant periods when we aimed to live more cooperatively. These include our early foraging periods, the emergence of universal religions and ethical systems, the birth of ideas of individual liberty and freedom, the rise of socialism in response to the excesses of global capitalism, the civil rights and decolonization movements of the twentieth century, and the environmental and social justice movements of today.

Chasteen's exploration of these historical periods highlights the potential for human cooperation and unity. He emphasizes that despite our differences, we share a common history and a collective responsibility to strive for a better future. By acknowledging our past mistakes and learning from our successes, we can build a more compassionate and inclusive world.

In conclusion, After Eden provides a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of the origins and persistence of humanity's inhumanity to itself. Through his examination of historical periods and the lessons they hold, Chasteen offers a roadmap for overcoming this challenge and creating a more harmonious and sustainable world.

Weight: 614g
Dimension: 160 x 237 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781324036920