Sustainable History and the Dignity of Man

Professor Al-Rodhan is both a distinguished neuroscientist and profound philosopher, straddling the disciplinary divide. Here he offers not just an illuminating survey of previous writing on the philosophy of history by the likes of Ibn Khaldun, Hegel, Marx, Toynbee, and Fukuyama, but also a roadmap to a better future based on good governance, social justice, inclusiveness, trans-cultural dialogue, human rights, and human dignity. A remarkable book by a remarkable author. Avi Shlaim FBA, Emeritus Professor of International Relations, University of Oxford A pioneering work that puts neuroscience to the service of history, and uses history as a guide to the future. A profound and important book. Eugene Rogan, Professor of Modern Middle Eastern History, University of Oxford Nayef Al-Rodhan, one of the world's leading intellectuals, has produced an epic book that navigates beyond the monocultural/Eurocentric approaches of the likes of Fukuyama and Huntington. This is a book for our times. It offers an enriching philosophy of history and historical progress that informs his brilliant diagnosis and inclusive analysis of the world together with a highly appealing but realistic set of prescriptions that can create a genuinely brighter future for global humanity. John M. Hobson, Professor of Politics & International Relations, University of Sheffield Praise for the original edition: Dr. Nayef R.F. Al-Rodhan challenges us to grapple with the meaning of history and how it could lead to the improvement of the human condition. In his opinion, sustainable history requires good governance, based on 'reason, security, human rights, accountability, transparency, justice, opportunity, innovation and inclusiveness.' I agree, and I hope that the path laid out in this book attracts many followers. President Jimmy Carter, 39th President of the United States. No-one seeking to understand the modern condition can afford to ignore Dr Al-Rodhan's inspiring book, a profound analysis of the core values around which effective global governance can be built and sustained. Lord Anthony Giddens, Former President of LSE, UK.