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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Great Leveler summary
Walter Scheidel
Violence and the History of Inequality from the Stone Age to the Twenty-First Century
20 mins
Brief summary
"The Great Leveler" by Walter Scheidel examines the history of inequality and argues that only the "Four Horsemen" of violent upheaval can truly level the economic playing field.
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The Great Leveler
Summary of 8 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 8
A better quality of life gave rise to inequality, before technological advancements made it worse.
The ice age was a difficult period for humanity. When it finally ended, you’d expect that our lives would’ve gotten better. Yet, while in some ways they did, not all the changes that came with the improved climate were positive.
As the last ice age came to an end some 11,700 years ago, we entered a period of climate stability known as the Holocene. During this time, humans who had settled in Middle East began cultivating the land and producing food, eventually resulting in a surplus. This marked the start of disequalization, as some began to accumulate larger areas of land and more food resources while employing others to work on their property. The structure of society was beginning to take shape.
In contrast to earlier hunter-gatherer societies in which power was spread equally and horizontally, the new society that emerged during the Holocene was structured hierarchically, with stark differences between rich and poor. Evidence for this discrepancy comes from archeological remains dating back 11,000 years, showing for the first time large differences in household sizes. In addition, the fish bones found in the perimeter of the larger households indicate that these people were eating large fish, whereas in the smaller houses, small fish were the norm.
In addition to the increased quality of life, technological improvements also impacted societies for the worse. Not even smaller tribal communities could escape inequality. During the period AD 500-700, the Chumash tribe – who lived on the Californian coast – developed a new type of canoe that increased the number of fishermen journeying out into the deep sea to catch fish. In no time, men, who controlled and managed the canoes, rose to dominate the tribe. Males secured control over tribal land, religious ceremonies and the war-making. As gratitude for their safety, other members of the tribe offered the male chiefs key trade items such as food and shells.
As you can see, inequality has been around for a long time – brought about by increased quality of life as well as technological advancements. In the next blink, we’ll see what continued to drive this divide.
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What is The Great Leveler about?
The Great Leveler (2017) takes a look at the inequality faced by different societies throughout history. It highlights war, plague and other major catastrophes as a leveler of the unequal distribution of power and property, prompting the question: can equality be achieved in a non-violent manner?
The Great Leveler Review
The Great Leveler (2017) explores the history of inequality and offers a thought-provoking analysis of how economic inequality is ultimately leveled. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Featuring meticulous research and a wide range of historical examples, it presents a comprehensive and evidence-based argument on the causes and consequences of inequality.
- By examining various societal disruptions throughout history, the book illuminates the role of violence, disease, and revolution in leveling economic disparities and shaping societies.
- With its refreshing perspective and bold assertions, the book challenges conventional narratives about inequality and offers a nuanced understanding of its long-term dynamics.
Best quote from The Great Leveler
Hundreds of years of disequalization had been undone by one of the most severe shocks humanity had ever experienced.
—Walter Scheidel
Who should read The Great Leveler?
- People interested in the history of inequality
- Students of politics
- Those who enjoy learning about different societies
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The Great Leveler FAQs
What is the main message of The Great Leveler?
The main message of The Great Leveler is that history shows us that inequality is ultimately reduced through violent and catastrophic means.
How long does it take to read The Great Leveler?
The reading time for The Great Leveler will vary based on your reading speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just a few minutes.
Is The Great Leveler a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Great Leveler is a thought-provoking read that offers a unique perspective on the forces that have shaped human history. It is definitely worth a read.
Who is the author of The Great Leveler?
The author of The Great Leveler is Walter Scheidel.
What to read after The Great Leveler?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Great Leveler, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Foragers, Farmers, and Fossil Fuels by Ian Morris
- Become What You Are by Alan Watts
- Homo Deus by Yuval Noah Harari
- How to Be an Anticapitalist in the 21st Century by Erik Olin Wright
- Speed Reading by Kam Knight
- The Plant Paradox by Steven R. Gundry
- A History of God by Karen Armstrong
- Cobalt Red by Siddharth Kara
- The Truths We Hold by Kamala Harris
- The Art of War (new version) by Sun Tzu