In 'Plagues and the Paradox of Progress', Thomas J. Bollyky delves into the intricate relationship between infectious diseases and human advancement. He reveals how plagues have historically propelled innovation and shaped societies, despite their devastating toll. Bollyky's thought-provoking narrative challenges the notion of progress as solely positive, highlighting the complexities and unintended consequences of our advancements. Through compelling anecdotes and rich historical context, he uncovers the paradox that as we evolve, we also invite new challenges. This captivating exploration prompts readers to reconsider the cost of progress in a world where health and innovation are often at odds.
By Thomas J. Bollyky
Published: 2019
""In our quest for progress, we must not overlook the shadows of our past; for it is often in the forgotten battles against disease that we uncover the true cost of advancement and the paradox of our triumphs.""
Why the news about the global decline of infectious diseases is not all good. Plagues and parasites have played a central role in world affairs, shaping the evolution of the modern state, the growth of cities, and the disparate fortunes of national economies. This book tells that story, but it is not about the resurgence of pestilence. It is the story of its decline. For the first time in recorded history, virus, bacteria, and other infectious diseases are not the leading cause of death or disability in any region of the world. People are living longer, and fewer mothers are giving birth to many children in the hopes that some might survive. And yet, the news is not all good. Recent reductions in infectious disease have not been accompanied by the same improvements in income, job opportunities, and governance that occurred with these changes in wealthier countries decades ago. There have also been unintended consequences. In this book, Thomas Bollyky explores the paradox in our fight against infectious disease: the world is getting healthier in ways that should make us worry. Bollyky interweaves a grand historical narrative about the rise and fall of plagues in human societies with contemporary case studies of the consequences. Bollyky visits Dhaka—one of the most densely populated places on the planet—to show how low-cost health tools helped enable the phenomenon of poor world megacities. He visits China and Kenya to illustrate how dramatic declines in plagues have affected national economies. Bollyky traces the role of infectious disease in the migrations from Ireland before the potato famine and to Europe from Africa and elsewhere today. Historic health achievements are remaking a world that is both worrisome and full of opportunities. Whether the peril or promise of that progress prevails, Bollyky explains, depends on what we do next. A Council on Foreign Relations Book
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“"In our quest for progress, we must not overlook the shadows of our past; for it is often in the forgotten battles against disease that we uncover the true cost of advancement and the paradox of our triumphs."”
Plagues and the Paradox of Progress
By Thomas J. Bollyky
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Thomas J. Bollyky is an accomplished author and expert in global health policy, known for his insightful exploration of infectious diseases, international law, and the interplay between public health and foreign policy. He is the author of the critically acclaimed book 'Plagues upon the Earth: Disease and the Course of Human History', which examines how infectious diseases have shaped human events and influenced global power dynamics. Bollyky's writing is characterized by a rigorous analytical approach, blending historical context with contemporary issues, and is often infused with compelling narratives that engage a wide audience. Through his work, he seeks to illuminate the complexities of health crises and advocate for strategic policy solutions.
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