Niall Ferguson

Niall Ferguson discusses Civilization: The West and the Rest.

From one of our most renowned historians, Civilization is the definitive history of Western civilization's rise to global dominance-and the "killer applications" that made this improbable ascent possible. Yet six hundred years ago the petty kingdoms of Western Europe seemed unlikely to achieve much more than perpetual internecine warfare. How did the West overtake its Eastern rivals? And has the zenith of Western power now passed? In Civilization: The West and the Rest, bestselling author Niall Ferguson argues that, beginning in the fifteenth century, the West developed six powerful new concepts that the Rest lacked: competition, science, the rule of law, consumerism, modern medicine, and the work ethic. Yet now, Ferguson argues, the days of Western predominance are numbered-not because of clashes with rival civilizations, but simply because the Rest have now downloaded the six killer apps we once monopolized-while the West has literally lost faith in itself. (rakerman)… (more)

Niall Ferguson , The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World.

COMMUNITY MOVIE NIGHT 6pm In The Ascent of Money, economist and historian Niall Ferguson traces the evolution of money, demonstrating that finance is the essential back-story behind all history, including the current global economic crisis. Tonight, we’ll show the last quarter of the film and host a discussion with Richard Toler, a Professor of Business at Mesa Community College. Please note: Ferguson will not be in attendance. With a hand stamp you’ll receive at the screening, you’re entitled to post-show discounts from several merchants here in the Tempe Square shopping center: Baskin Robbins, Wildflower Bread Company, Mac’s Broiler & Tap, Hoodlums, and Changing Hands. (booksense)… (more)