Civilization and Beyond: Learning from History

A social science exploration written in the mid-20th century. The work delves into the evolution of civilizations, the patterns within their rise and decline, and the potential lessons we can derive from past societies to inform contemporary human existence. Nearing aims to analyze the historical trajectory of various civilizations, specifically Western civilization, and emphasizes the need for a new paradigm in social organization as traditional structures face obsolescence. At the start of the book, Nearing introduces the foundational concepts of civilization and its historical significance, juxtaposing different analytical angles from which civilization can be understood. He argues for a scientific approach to the study of civilization, noting the necessity of examining human endeavors and their implications. He sets the stage for a broader discussion that will unfold in subsequent chapters, focusing on the natural cycles that civilizations experience, their interconnected complexities, and the importance of learning from historical precedents to navigate the challenges of modern society.