Tasmanian history is a study of human isolation unprecedented except in science fiction – namely, complete isolation from other humans for 10,000 years. – Jared Diamond
Technology causes problems as well as solves problems. Nobody has figured out a way to ensure that, as of tomorrow, technology wont create problems. Technology simply means increased power, which is why we have the global problems we face today. – Jared Diamond
The main thing that gives me hope is the media. We have radio, TV, magazines, and books, so we have the possibility of learning from societies that are remote from us, like Somalia. We turn on the TV and see what blew up in Iraq or we see conditions in Afghanistan. – Jared Diamond
Ive worked very hard in this book to keep the lines of communication open. I dont want to turn someone away from this information for partisan political reasons. – Jared Diamond
My interactions with Sorkin were agonisingly weird. He is by far the weirdest person I have ever met. I had dinner with him and a few hours before I got an e-mail from his assistant saying, Sean, this does not need to be a long conversation. Aaron is only going to use it to win your trust. – Sean Parker