Human Accomplishment

Abstract: Human achievements in the arts and sciences from 800 to 1950 show important contributions but focus mainly on achievements rather than military or commercial topics. Humans evolved from simple societies to complex ones, achieving advances in technology and governance. While many important figures and events came from Europe, the roles of women and ethnic minorities were often ignored. Factors like purpose, autonomy, and social conditions affect creativity and excellence. Recent trends suggest that recognized accomplishments may be declining, despite more people contributing, raising concerns about today's cultural achievements.

Book Summary

Chapter Summaries:

INTRODUCTION

PART ONE: A SENSE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT

ONE: A SENSE OF TIME

TWO: A SENSE OF MYSTERY (–8000 to –800)

THREE: A SENSE OF PLACE

FOUR: A SENSE OF WONDER

PART TWO: IDENTIFYING THE PEOPLE AND EVENTS THAT MATTER

FIVE: EXCELLENCE AND ITS IDENTIFICATION

SIX: THE LOTKA CURVE

SEVEN: THE PEOPLE WHO MATTER I: SIGNIFICANT FIGURES

EIGHT: THE PEOPLE WHO MATTER II: THE GIANTS

NINE: THE EVENTS THAT MATTER I: SIGNIFICANT EVENTS

TEN: THE EVENTS THAT MATTER II: META-INVENTIONS

PART THREE: PATTERNS AND TRAJECTORIES

ELEVEN: COMING TO TERMS WITH THE ROLE OF MODERN EUROPE

TWELVE: …AND OF DEAD WHITE MALES

THIRTEEN: CONCENTRATIONS OF EUROPEAN AND AMERICAN ACCOMPLISHMENT

FOURTEEN: TAKING POPULATION INTO ACCOUNT: THE ACCOMPLISHMENT RATE

FIFTEEN: EXPLANATIONS I: PEACE AND PROSPERITY

SIXTEEN: EXPLANATIONS II: MODELS, ELITE CITIES, AND FREEDOM OF ACTION

SEVENTEEN: WHAT’S LEFT TO EXPLAIN?

PART FOUR: ON THE ORIGINS AND DECLINE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT

EIGHTEEN: THE ARISTOTELIAN PRINCIPLE

NINETEEN: SOURCES OF ENERGY: PURPOSE AND AUTONOMY

TWENTY: SOURCES OF CONTENT: THE ORGANIZING STRUCTURE AND TRANSCENDENTAL GOODS

TWENTY-ONE: IS ACCOMPLISHMENT DECLINING?

TWENTY-TWO: SUMMATION