A review by jay_sy
Destiny Disrupted: A History of the World Through Islamic Eyes by Tamim Ansary
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
Destiny Disrupted by Tamim Ansary provided an interesting overview of Islamic history. This is an area that I personally know very little about so I found the book quite informative and it helped me to make sense of what was happening in that area of the world.
I found it interesting to see the roots of Islam and ideals of the early figureheads.
Later, there was the interest in Greek philosophy because they believed science and philosophy could use logic to prove their religious ideals. I always like to see what forces shape a society and the directions they take.
I found the segment on Mukluks to be quite fascinating, since they were being used as guards because they aren’t native and have no ties to home, only to become unruly and take power, showing how despite the intentions of the rulers, the end result was the opposite of what they might have wanted.
Another thing that stood out was the brutality of the crusaders from the west (cannibalism of women and children), and how it wasn’t seen as a war, so much as a disaster of barbarians. There was also the explanation of how status symbols (wives that didn’t need to work and could be kept out of sight) led to increased oppressive circumstances for women.
Finally, I was intrigued by how cultural values (like individualism) aided the industrial revolution because people weren’t thinking about the effect of their actions on neighbours and kin.
The book covers an extensive period of time up to 2001, and a part of me wished there was a little bit more detail about some of the more interesting historical figures, and the way the common people lived. But I'm glad to have read it and would give it a 3.5 out of 5
I found it interesting to see the roots of Islam and ideals of the early figureheads.
Spoiler
In their day, they would have been seen as progressive, championing the rights of the downtrodden in society and I can understand how they attracted a following.Later, there was the interest in Greek philosophy because they believed science and philosophy could use logic to prove their religious ideals. I always like to see what forces shape a society and the directions they take.
I found the segment on Mukluks to be quite fascinating, since they were being used as guards because they aren’t native and have no ties to home, only to become unruly and take power, showing how despite the intentions of the rulers, the end result was the opposite of what they might have wanted.
Another thing that stood out was the brutality of the crusaders from the west (cannibalism of women and children), and how it wasn’t seen as a war, so much as a disaster of barbarians. There was also the explanation of how status symbols (wives that didn’t need to work and could be kept out of sight) led to increased oppressive circumstances for women.
Finally, I was intrigued by how cultural values (like individualism) aided the industrial revolution because people weren’t thinking about the effect of their actions on neighbours and kin.
The book covers an extensive period of time up to 2001, and a part of me wished there was a little bit more detail about some of the more interesting historical figures, and the way the common people lived. But I'm glad to have read it and would give it a 3.5 out of 5