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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Stoned summary
Aja Raden
Jewelry, Obsession, and How Desire Shapes the World
12 mins
Brief summary
Stoned by Aja Raden unlocks the hidden stories behind the world's most coveted gemstones. It's an enthralling account of how jewels influenced history.
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Stoned
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Key idea 1 of 5
People’s pursuit of desire has helped shape world history.
What quality do you think motivates people the most? The Greek philosopher Plato once said, “Human behavior flows from three main sources: desire, emotion, and knowledge.”
Plato was probably right to mention desire first. Indeed, many figures throughout history, desiring some precious object, have taken drastic action to obtain it.
One of the most famous objects is La Peregrina, a perfectly pear-shaped white pearl that’s so big it fits snugly in the palm of an adult hand. The name translates to “the wanderer” or “the pilgrim.” The name is apt, for it has a long history of finding its way into the hands of many influential people around the world. In recent history, it was owned by Elizabeth Taylor. In 1969, the actress received the pearl as a Valentine’s Day gift from her husband, Richard Burton.
This gift is even more impressive when you consider that, 400 years earlier, La Peregrina was changing world history. It all started in the sixteenth century, when Philip II of Spain gave the pearl to his betrothed, England’s Queen Mary I. She adored La Peregrina so much that it can be seen in almost all portraits of her. But someone else had also developed a desire for the pearl: Mary’s sister, Elizabeth I.
When Elizabeth eventually became Queen of England following Mary’s death in 1558, Philip II offered her the pearl along with his own hand in marriage. Elizabeth, determined to rule England on her own, refused the proposal.
Philip returned to Spain, taking the prized pearl with him. But Elizabeth’s desire burned on, so she passed a new law that allowed English privateers – basically sanctioned pirates – to plunder Spanish ships in search of La Peregrina.
Philip was not happy about this, and, in 1588, he raised a Spanish armada to invade England and overthrow Queen Elizabeth, who Pope Pius V had called “the patroness of heretics and pirates.” England devastated the Spanish Armada, however, marking the end of Spain’s naval dominance and paving the way for England’s global commercial empire.
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What is Stoned about?
Stoned (2015) is a collection of historical stories told through the lens of human desire – and the lengths to which we’ll go in pursuit of that desire. These blinks take you around the world and through time, showing how our desire for beautiful objects can move mountains and why our valuation of those objects can change so easily.
Stoned Review
Stoned (2015) takes readers on a journey through the fascinating world of jewels and gemstones, unveiling the historical, cultural, and economic significance behind these marvels. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Through intriguing stories and anecdotes, Raden shares the secrets and allure of gems, making this book a treasure trove of captivating knowledge.
- Exploring the hidden power and meaning behind gemstones, the book reveals a dazzling blend of ancient beliefs and modern science that will leave readers awestruck.
- Raden's attention to detail and meticulous research make every page shine with authenticity, ensuring that this book is never dull and always enriching.
Best quote from Stoned
Advertising is legalized lying. – H. G. Wells
—Aja Raden
Who should read Stoned?
- History students looking for a fresh perspective
- Psychology students interested in the influence of beauty and desire
- Jewelry aficionados
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Stoned FAQs
What is the main message of Stoned?
The main message of Stoned is a captivating exploration of the cultural and historical significance of gemstones.
How long does it take to read Stoned?
The reading time for Stoned varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Stoned a good book? Is it worth reading?
Stoned is a fascinating read that provides unique insights into the world of gemstones. It's definitely worth checking out.
Who is the author of Stoned?
The author of Stoned is Aja Raden.
What to read after Stoned?
If you're wondering what to read next after Stoned, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Drinking Water by James Salzman
- Queen of Fashion by Caroline Weber
- Oxygen by Nick Lane
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- A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
- The Sleep Prescription by Aric Prather
- Why I Am a Hindu by Shashi Tharoor
- The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham and comments by Jason Zweig
- Confidence by Ethan Nichtern
- Pivot or Die by Gary Shapiro