Pay in installments of $30.50 with
,
and
Shipping Estimate
USA
- USA
- CAN
- USA
- CAN
Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Sep 8 - Sep 13
Promo Codes Available:
For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15
Description
PathogenesisBy: Jonathan Kennedy A sweeping examination of how germs have played a starring role in the most significant transformations in history, from the rise of Homo sapiens to the creation of world religions and the birth of capitalism. According to the accepted narrative of progress, humans have thrived thanks to their brains and brawn, to actions undertaken individually and collectively that have changed the arc of history. In this revelatory book,
By: Jonathan KennedyA sweeping examination of how germs have played a starring role in the most significant transformations in history, from the rise of Homo sapiens to the creation of world religions and the birth of capitalism.
According to the accepted narrative of progress, humans have thrived thanks to their brains and brawn, to actions undertaken individually and collectively that have changed the arc of history. In this revelatory book, sociologist and public health professor Jonathan Kennedy argues that the peddlers of the exceptionalism myth massively overestimate the role that reason plays in social change. Instead, it is the humble microbe that wins wars and topples empires.
Drawing on the latest research in genetics, economics, sociology, and anthropology, Pathogenesis explores eight outbreaks of infectious disease that made the modern world. Take the rise of Christianity. When a wave of deadly pandemics swept through the Roman Empire in the third century, there were only a small number of Christian communities—but they did a much better job tending to the sick. Their more communal approach saved thousands of lives, and helped turn this tiny, obscure sect into one of the world's great religions. Bacteria and viruses were also responsible for the demise of the Neanderthals, the growth of Islam, the transition from feudalism to capitalism, the devastation wrought by European colonialism, and the rise of the United States from an imperial backwater to a global superpower.
By centering disease in his wide-ranging, spectacularly illustrated history of humankind, Kennedy challenges our most fundamental assumptions about our collective past—and urges us to view our current moment as another disease-driven inflection point that could change the course of history. Provocative and brimming with insight, Pathogenesis transforms our understanding of the human story.
Shipping Notes
- Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
- Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
- Delivery to the USA:
- Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
- If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
- We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
- Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
- To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
- Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
4.3 ★★★★★
Based on 11 reviews
Sort
Product Reviews
★★★★★ 5
Abundant information but needs update
Format: Kindle
I struggled a little when try to decide how many star to give. It's an excellent book and very informative. It feels like I was not reading a college admission advisory book, which very often are dry and mechanical. It feels like reading stories of students and AOs, I got attached and involved emotionally, and really felt for them. But there were abundant information in the book, I was able to use the book to answer most my questions. If you need a list of YESs, Nos, Warnings..., then this is not the book for you. If you need to know what happens during admission process, then this is an excellent book for you. Based on the information in this book, I was able to extract my own conclusions.
The reason I hesitated if I should rate this book as a five stars book is how long ago it was written. A lot has changed. Many aspects stayed same, but many aspects changed. It will be misleading if this is the only guide book you are using. Wish everyone a great college application season.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on September 12, 2015
★★★★★ 4
An intimidating read
Format: Paperback
This is a scary book to read if you are anyone, but most especially a Parent of a college bound junior or senior. The writer, Jacques Steinberg, a NY Times Reporter writes beautifully and captures the college application process in an authentic way, without overdramatization. His style and sensibility reminds me of Jon Kraukeur. I was prinicipally struck by the heroic Sisyphean efforts of the admissions office and the immense gap between public school and private school admissions counseling at the high school level, a gap which is even greater today. This is also a very good description of Wesleyan University -- what it is not so good at, and this is no fault of the author who tries to make this point and the related one that follows , but the best approach for the applicant is to find a college where he and she can thrive and trust the process, the admissions folks are very dedicated to bringing in students who can add value and to whom they can add value -- more to the point when a good fit is made, all the effort and anxiety is well worthwhile to the school and the applicant. good luck and best wishes to all of you who are college bound.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2012
★★★★★ 5
A must read for anyone getting ready for college!
Format: Kindle
Very eye opening! I really got a feel for what the admissions officers go through. I really had no idea, i thought it was much more impersonal. My only complaint is that I wish along with the other students in which they chose to go into depth that they would have chosen an international student. I would have liked to have known how they were evaluated as compared to the American applicants. But still this book was not only helpful but interesting as a novel with personal stories you were interested in following.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2016
★★★★★ 5
Illuminating insights on the transformative power of college
Format: Hardcover
Mindset Matters is an inspiring, timely, and useful exploration of how higher education can transform lives by fostering the key mindsets essential for success in today’s complex and fast-changing world.
Drawing on his extensive experience as a leader in higher education and lifelong learning, Porterfield makes a compelling case for cultivating five critical mindsets — Discovery, Creation, Mentorship, Collaboration, and Striving — all aligned with a growth mindset. He explains how colleges can develop these mindsets to prepare students for lifelong growth.
The book is grounded in real stories of students whose lives were transformed by higher education. The thoughtful narratives illustrate how institutions can create environments and systems where all students can thrive.
Through this work, Porterfield offers a roadmap for helping prepare individuals to embrace growth, pursue opportunities, navigate challenges, and drive meaningful impact — throughout their lives.
Whether you're an educator, a parent, or someone interested in the future of higher education, Mindset Matters will leave you inspired and equipped with new perspectives and strategies. I highly recommend it.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2024
★★★★★ 3
Disappointing
Format: Hardcover
I had high hopes. But this book seems to be more of a rosy retrospective of one college president years in charge than it is a real useful book about how to help students.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2025