Hong’s Cave

An interesting read on globalization although I don’t quite agree with the choice of the word “flat” with “the world” (what he wants to say, probably, is “The hierarchies in the world is getting flatter”).

I did agree with most of what Mr. Friedman said. Indeed, the recent developments and changes in the technologies and international political atmosphere have been improving the efficiencies in the economical and social structures of the world, affecting almost everyone in the world.

Of course, as the author admits, these changes are not all positive (although he is trying to stress that aspects). Some use these developments for positive changes (e.g., bringing some third world countries living standards up) where as others use them for destructive purposes (e.g., efficient global recruiting and organization for terrorists).

Maybe it was a subject outside this book, but he did not go further into how to possibly solve these issues after he identified them and what might be the difference (e.g., having a hope for a better future or not). So, although the book was indeed an interesting history lesson in the recent decades, I don’t think it would be enough to give a guidance to the future leaders for how to bring everyone into the constructive benefits of the recent changes.

But still, I thought it was a very good read.