Diamond doesn't suggest that after reading his book, we will want to convert back to a more traditional society where we live in tribes and operate without centralized government. However, he does say that we can stand to learn a thing or two from these cultures. We can apply these lessons to our own lives, including tips on child-rearing, how to think clearly about danger, and how to stay happy, healthy, and useful as we move into old age. As Diamond explains, he wrote the book partially because he found these societies fascinating, but also because he felt that there was something we could all learn from studying the way they live.
Earlier this year, Diamond presented his book at a free talk in conjunction with The New School and The Lavin Agency. An award-winning author and scientist, Diamond takes his audiences to the far regions of the world—and shows them how the things they've learned can apply to their lives here at home.