Lineages of Modernity: A History of Humanity from the Stone Age to Homo Americanus

The contemporary world is confusing, and Emmanuel Todd's book reconstructs historical dynamics of human societies from the Stone Age to the present to shed light on our current predicament. He focuses on the long-term dynamics of family systems and their links to religion and ideology, analyzing the changes brought about by the spread of education. This account highlights the massive transformations taking place in the world today and shows that these transformations have less to do with globalization than with an ethnic diversity deeply rooted in human evolution.

Format: Hardback
Length: 370 pages
Publication date: 03 May 2019
Publisher: Polity Press

In the developed world, a palpable sense of confusion permeates the atmosphere as we navigate the complex and ever-evolving landscape of the contemporary world. What was once taken for granted, even just a decade ago, is now being scrutinized, and a widespread desire arises to comprehend the origins and trajectory of our present circumstances. In response to this pressing need, renowned sociologist, historical anthropologist, and demographer Emmanuel Todd has authored a groundbreaking new book that offers a fresh perspective on our current predicament. Through a comprehensive reconstruction of the historical dynamics of human societies from the Stone Age to the present, Todd sheds light on the complex web of factors that have shaped our world.

Rather than attributing sole causal significance to the economy, Todd develops an anthropological account of history, emphasizing the long-term dynamics of family systems and their interconnectedness with religion and ideology. He views this as the underlying, unconscious level of society, distinct from the conscious realm of the economy and politics. By delving into these intricate connections, Todd is able to provide a comprehensive explanation of the diverse historical trajectories of advanced nations and the growing disparities between them. This divergence becomes evident in various phenomena, such as the rise of the Anglosphere in the modern period, the paradoxical nature of a "Homo americanus" that exhibits both innovative and archaic qualities, the surprising electoral success of Donald Trump, the lack of realism in the pursuit of power demonstrated by Germany and China, the emergence of stable authoritarian democracies in Russia, the recent inward turn of Japan, and the tumultuous developments in Europe, including Brexit.

This magisterial account of human history serves as a powerful lens through which we can observe the profound transformations taking place in the world today. It challenges the notion that these transformations can be solely attributed to the homogenizing effects of globalization. Instead, Todd argues that they are the result of a complex interplay of cultural, social, economic, and political factors that have evolved over centuries. By examining these dynamics, Todd offers valuable insights into the forces that drive our world and the challenges we face in the years to come.

In conclusion, Emmanuel Todd's book is a groundbreaking contribution to the field of history and anthropology. Through his meticulous reconstruction of human society's historical dynamics, Todd provides a fresh perspective on our current predicament and offers valuable insights into the forces that shape our world. This magisterial account of human history sheds light on the complex web of factors that have contributed to our present situation and highlights the challenges we must confront in the years to come. As we navigate the rapidly changing landscape of the contemporary world, this book serves as a valuable guide for understanding the past and shaping the future.

Weight: 786g
Dimension: 233 x 167 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509534470