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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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From Silk to Silicon summary
Jeffrey E. Garten
The Story of Globalization Through Ten Extraordinary Lives
18 mins
Brief summary
'From Silk to Silicon' by Jeffrey E. Garten provides a broad historical and strategic analysis of globalization, identifying key forces that have shaped it and their impact on the international economy.
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From Silk to Silicon
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The great conqueror Genghis Khan launched the first golden age of globalization.
Temüjin, more commonly known as Genghis Khan, was one of history’s most famous emperors. Living during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, his military conquests helped the Mongolian Empire grow to include nearly 20 percent of the world’s land mass. But this obviously didn’t happen without a fight.
Genghis Khan was an especially brutal commander, and his troops murdered tens of thousands of people. In this way, he differed from many of his contemporaries.
For instance, when conquering a city or village, many emperors would give people the option to live under their rule. But Genghis Khan tended to go a different route: he would kill as many people as was necessary to crush the existing social hierarchy and establish his own rules without resistance.
Word of this practice spread quickly and many believed that he’d kill every grown man in a village if it could help him advance his goals even a little bit.
So, while Genghis Khan was indeed a violent war monger, he nevertheless established a firm and highly effective administration. Meanwhile, he went to work improving the Silk Road, the world’s most famous trading route, which stretched from East Asia to Europe and marked one of the first steps toward globalized trade.
The Silk Road also played a key role in consolidating his immense empire. Khan established trading posts on the route, encouraging people from all over his empire to travel and trade knowledge and innovations. He used the resulting information exchange to increase his military power by incorporating knowledge from the Mongol, Islamic and Chinese armies.
Beyond that, he was a profound believer in religious freedom and abolished many of the antiquated social structures present in the territories he conquered. This, in turn, served his own expansionist interests: people were no longer granted high social status because of wealth or family ties, but because they were educated and thus useful to the ever-expanding empire.
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What is From Silk to Silicon about?
From Silk to Silicon (2016) tells the stories of several key figures who influenced the globalization of the world economy, from Andrew Grove to Genghis Khan. These blinks take you through centuries of history to meet the major players who shaped the development of human societies, employing everything from unbridled free trade to iron-fisted authoritarian rule.
From Silk to Silicon Review
From Silk to Silicon (2016) tells the story of globalization and technological innovation throughout the centuries, highlighting the impact they have on our modern world. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- The book offers a fascinating exploration of the interconnectedness of history and technology, revealing how advancements in communication and transportation shaped society.
- It provides in-depth analysis and insights into major global events and their implications, helping readers understand the complexities of our interconnected world.
- Through captivating storytelling and compelling examples, the book brings history to life and demonstrates the profound influence of technology on society's evolution.
Best quote from From Silk to Silicon
Deng effectively bound the Middle Kingdom to the rules of an open world economy.
—Jeffrey E. Garten
Who should read From Silk to Silicon?
- History buffs
- Students of political science or economics
- People looking for the inspiration they need to change the world
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From Silk to Silicon FAQs
What is the main message of From Silk to Silicon?
From Silk to Silicon explores the impact of technology on global trade and the importance of innovation in driving economic growth.
How long does it take to read From Silk to Silicon?
The reading time for From Silk to Silicon varies, but it typically takes several hours. However, you can read the Blinkist summary in just 15 minutes.
Is From Silk to Silicon a good book? Is it worth reading?
From Silk to Silicon is worth reading as it provides valuable insights into the history and future of technology and its influence on our global economy.
Who is the author of From Silk to Silicon?
The author of From Silk to Silicon is Jeffrey E. Garten.
What to read after From Silk to Silicon?
If you're wondering what to read next after From Silk to Silicon, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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