Book review: Civilization, The west and the rest by Niall Ferguson ISBN 9781594203053

In Civilization, the author suggested that our modern society is dominated by western civilization, which he defined as "more than just one thing; it is a package. It is about political pluralism (multiple states and multiple authorities) as well as capitalism; it is about the freedom of thoughts as well as the scientific method; it is about the rule of law and property rights as well as democracy". And 6 "killer apps" comprise this package:

• Competition: a decentralization of political life, which created the launch-pad for both nation-states and capitalism
• Science
• Property rights
• Medicine
• The consumer society
• The work ethic

Throughout the book, the author explored and traced 6 "killer apps", how they came into being, how they shaped the West and led the West to world domination. And because of the network effect of these 6 apps, hence the West (which presumptuously means America and Europe) even with its dwindling economic and political influence over the world, still has more of the institutional advantages than the Rest.

Rating: 3 of 5