Dirt, written by David R. Montgomery, is a book that pushes readers to discover the main factor behind the destruction of all civilizations: soil. From prehistory to today, Montgomery emphasizes the importance of soil in a society and how it is much more than just dirt. Dirt has always been the greatest resource that any civilization could possess. Soil has caused societies to blossom out of nowhere, thrive at their peak, and collapse at their weakest point.
At the beginning of the book, Montgomery states that “the history of their dirt set the stage upon which economics, climate extremes, and war influenced their fate” (pg. 13). This quote leads to the question, “Why would so many unrelated civilizations like the Greeks, Romans, and Mayans …show more content…
As a student interested in science and how we are impacting this world, this book is a great eye opener for someone who wants to learn about how we are harming the Earth. Not only does Montgomery write this book so that readers feel the need to take action to help our planet, but he also compares civilizations in such a way that we learn more about them. Dirt is great not only for people interested in history, but it incorporates aspects of science to make it fascinating for a wide range of students. After reading, you could discuss how and why disease, famine and wars were able to destroy civilizations in such a short period of time.
By describing decade long studies, quoting our most inspirational ancestors, and describing the effects of soil erosion and lack of preservation in ancient civilizations, Montgomery convinces all readers that soil is more than just dirt. He answers all the questions that he asks by allowing the reader to use evidence from the book to come up with their own answers. Dirt is a fascinating novel that will continue to inspire our generation, and those to come, to not only think about how their actions impact the present, but the future as
At the beginning of the book, Montgomery states that “the history of their dirt set the stage upon which economics, climate extremes, and war influenced their fate” (pg. 13). This quote leads to the question, “Why would so many unrelated civilizations like the Greeks, Romans, and Mayans …show more content…
As a student interested in science and how we are impacting this world, this book is a great eye opener for someone who wants to learn about how we are harming the Earth. Not only does Montgomery write this book so that readers feel the need to take action to help our planet, but he also compares civilizations in such a way that we learn more about them. Dirt is great not only for people interested in history, but it incorporates aspects of science to make it fascinating for a wide range of students. After reading, you could discuss how and why disease, famine and wars were able to destroy civilizations in such a short period of time.
By describing decade long studies, quoting our most inspirational ancestors, and describing the effects of soil erosion and lack of preservation in ancient civilizations, Montgomery convinces all readers that soil is more than just dirt. He answers all the questions that he asks by allowing the reader to use evidence from the book to come up with their own answers. Dirt is a fascinating novel that will continue to inspire our generation, and those to come, to not only think about how their actions impact the present, but the future as