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Civilized to Death

By: Christopher Ryan
Narrated by: Christopher Ryan
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Summary

The New York Times best-selling coauthor of Sex at Dawn explores the ways in which “progress” has perverted the way we live — how we eat, learn, feel, mate, parent, communicate, work, and die — in this “engaging, extensively documented, well-organized, and thought-provoking” (Booklist) book.

Most of us have instinctive evidence the world is ending - balmy December days, face-to-face conversation replaced with heads-to-screens zomboidism, a world at constant war, a political system in disarray. We hear some myths and lies so frequently that they feel like truths: Civilization is humankind’s greatest accomplishment. Progress is undeniable. Count your blessings. You’re lucky to be alive here and now. Well, maybe we are, and maybe we aren’t. Civilized to Death counters the idea that progress is inherently good, arguing that the "progress" defining our age is analogous to an advancing disease.

Prehistoric life, of course, was not without serious dangers and disadvantages. Many babies died in infancy. A broken bone, infected wound, snakebite, or difficult pregnancy could be life-threatening. But ultimately, Christopher Ryan questions, were these pre-civilized dangers more murderous than modern scourges such as car accidents, cancers, cardiovascular disease, and a technologically prolonged dying process?

Civilized to Death “will make you see our so-called progress in a whole new light” (Book Riot) and adds to the timely conversation that “the way we have been living is no longer sustainable, at least as long as we want to the earth to outlive us” (Psychology Today). Ryan makes the claim that we should start looking backwards to find our way into a better future.

©2019 Christopher Ryan (P)2019 Simon & Schuster
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History
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This book made me feel like I’m not the only one

First of all I’m a fan of Chris Ryan already. His podcast and how he breaks subjects down and communicates is wonderful. He also lives in a van for 6 months of the year, touring round America,doing podcasts, requiring as little money as possible etc and living a minimal, humble life - I respect this.

This book I guess acts as a summery of his entire ethos. An ethos that resonates with me very clearly, and so hence the title of this review. I hope this book doesn’t just preach to converted as there are many good, relevant and urgent points that get raised, explored and expanded upon here.
Especially relevant as civilisations thin veneer is starting to be exposed in 2020.

Thanks Chris for all that you do and especially this book! It’s got great content and it’s well read too. One of the best reading performances I’ve heard actually. Natural, relaxed and sarcastic (where appropriate).

Thanks again, il be eagerly awaiting (possibly forever) for its follow up :D

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Amazing!!

Wow - I mean wow, so much to learn! I enjoyed every second of this. Chris is 100% gangster, his voice - beautiful and sexy, I want to live in the woods with Chris and everybody else that loved this book and we can share, and love, and hug, and kiss, and look after each other’s kids, and be kind and happy and generous and poop the way our body intended us to. LOVED IT. Merry Christmas!

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Shook my world view...

Ryan's book definitely makes you consider deeply the path humanity is on. A deep read.

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Mind altering and eye opening.

loved this book. Saw him on the JRE podcast and had to make sure to pick up his book.
Christopher Ryan does not leave any stone unturned when it comes to explaining this socalled "civilized society". quoting alot of great minds through out history and also debating the lesser statements that have come from other respected minds of history. So glad i listened to this, feel like so much has been explained to me that i was already thinking but lacked some details. A must have!

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Understanding perspectives

Great author. I don’t always agree with Ryan’s standpoints or perspectives, but I value considered research, and will continue to seek for his ideas. This is less criticism of other world views, as shining the light on alternatives. Thank you, Christopher Ryan. Your clearly evolutionist framework gives this creationist information that I see can also fit into my enlightened understanding.

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amazing

I'm buying land in Wales and eating shrooms for the rest of my life. seriously helped my reconsider whats important after needing counselling due to stress from running my business. this is no joke.

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Amazing

As expected, this book says it all. Well done Chris, it's a masterpiece. The only part I don't share agreement on fully is the conclusion, where I hold more optimism, but the vast majority of what is written here is essential reading and offers vital insights to shift our cultural narratives. I couldn't recommend this book more highly.

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Not an easy reading, but worth reading! Highly recommend.

This book is at the same time depressing and giving a hope, that we humans are more than dumb consumers and altruism is our true nature. It is an eye opener. You may rethink your beliefs, but it is better than behave like an ostrich, hiding your head and leaving your but exposed. It will give you the whole new perspective. I wish everyone read it.

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All you ever needed to know.

Excellently made, irrefutable points. I just need to see a live debate between Steven Pinker and Christopher Ryan to settle this for sceptics.

I have long felt like a grasshopper surrounded by locusts. (Read the book to get the analogy) And it hurts in 1,000 ways. With this book, I was able to understand my human sensibilities and how they clash with a dehumanising civilisation. That has been healing. There are very few spaces people like us can feel seen.

Thank you Chris and collaborators for this book. I will never forget it and the influence it’s had on me. Felt emotional and teary at its conclusion. I just want to go home.

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Utterly enthralling. This makes my all-time top 5

Erudite and engaging without the pomposity of most academic tomes. I can't stop talking about this book.

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2 people found this helpful