The World is Flat - Thomas L. Friedman

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Category: Non-fiction. Acquired: from Seattle Pacific University (see below) Read: July - September 2008 Briefly: Subtitled "A Brief History of the 21st Century", discusses the forces that have been flattening our world (i.e. removing political, economic and social barriers) for the past few decades. Explains the dramatic changes that this is bringing about to "life as usual", along with the new skills that will be required for the next generation to thrive, and the challenges they'll have to overcome.

Summary: Each year, Seattle Pacific University selects an influential book and invites the entire college to read it together. Copies are given to all students, and book discussions are added to curricula - not just in literature classes, but in virtually all disciplines. Alumni (and alumni parents) are also offered copies. I've always thought this was a neat program, and have enjoyed the books I've read. And the price is right.

While The World is Flat covers some pretty heavy topics, it's not really that hard to read. Friedman begins by reviewing the key events and developments that have shaped our current world. If you're twenty or older, you'll recognize every one of them, from the fall of the Iron Curtain to the rise of computers, the internet, e-commerce, etc. While 9/11 is mentioned as a pivotal moment, he points out that it is no less pivotal than 11/9 (referring to the falling of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989).

The net result of all these forces is that, with few exceptions, the business world no longer consists of companies in one country competing with companies in another country. Today's playing field is completely international. Instantaneous worldwide communications means that, for a great many jobs, the actual location of the worker no longer matters. Perhaps more importantly, it also means that the foreign worker may be just as well-educated and competent as his or her American counterpart, yet willing to work for an order of magnitude less money. Friedman illustrates his points with a gazillion quotes, anecdotes and examples from businesses large and small.

A quote that really struck me came from Bill Gates. He said (my paraphrase) that when he was growing up, a mediocre student in Poughkeepsie had a better chance of success than an intelligent student in Beijing. But in the 21st century, the intelligent person now has the better chance of succeeding, regardless of where he/she happened to be born. In short, the walls and barriers are gone, deal with it.

Don't shoot me, I'm just the messenger. Denying reality isn't going to help, and thinking that your Senator or your favorite presidential can hold back the changing tide is just a dream.

After this brilliant telling of technological history, Friedman then sets about to explaining what to do next. He covers everything from new approaches to education and career-building, to the different kinds of business opportunities becoming available in a globalized world. I can't do justice to this section, you'll have to read it yourself.

Overall, give it a 9 on a scale of 10. The only disappointment was the occasional pot shot at the Republicans or President Bush, blaming one or both for some situation, problem or missed opportunity. Never the Democrats, of course, even though they controlled Congress during much of that time period. I suppose that, with Friedman being a writer for the once-great New York Times, the habit was just too deeply ingrained.