Origin Story: A Big History of Everything by David Christian

David Christian’s Origin Story: A Big History of Everything is destined to become a classic. The book explores world history from the big bang to the present and the interconnections between scientific and human events. A major contribution to “big history,” it attempts to detect patterns over time on the grandest of scales—involving cosmology, geology, biology, anthropology, and history. Christian charts a course through major events in this sweeping narrative of our universe and its inhabitants.

The book opens with the big bang, and Christian details the incredible formation of galaxies, stars, and planets. It covers the emergence of the solar system and the state of the Earth shortly after its formation. He discusses the birth of the moon and its role in stabilizing our planet's rotation, climate, and biosphere. He traces the evolution of the planet, from the first stirrings of simple life to the emergence of more complex organisms. Christian explains how these early forms interacted with their environment in order to survive and evolve, and how new species arose along the way.

Throughout, Christian shows how the development of humans is closely linked to the evolution of Earth and its life forms. He identifies certain crucial moments that advanced human evolution, such as the emergence of language and the advent of agriculture. He explains how these events paved the way for the development of social complexity and the rise of the first civilizations. It was at this stage that humanity’s innovative capacities enabled them to create new forms of social, economic, and political organization.

Christian also explores the ways that humans have changed the earth over time. He shows how the advent of industry and technology has pushed human development to unprecedented heights, along with its potential for new forms of disruption. He dives into the effects of the industrial revolution, from the impact of steam engines to the invention of computers. Along the way, he outlines the rise of global systems and the emergence of a new energy- and material-hungry society.

The book also deals with some of the core issues of our time. Christian examines the rise of fossil fuels and their effects on the planet. He discusses the environmental degradation caused by human activities, as well as climate change. He looks at the uneven effects of globalization, and the impact of international political and economic developments on countries around the world.

In the end, Christian’s narrative shows us that our individual histories are intertwined with the collective history of the universe. He argues that our shared origin story is a cause for celebration and an inspiration to take responsibility for our collective future. He invites us to recognize that understanding the past can help us anticipate and navigate the complexities of the present and future. Origin Story: A Big History of Everythingprovides an essential introduction to the history of the planet and its inhabitants, enabling readers to make sense of today’s biggest issues.