The Square and the Tower: Networks, Hierarchies, and the Struggle for Global Power by Niall Ferguson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Finally, I have completed the reading of this relatively lengthy book. I wholeheartedly agree with the author regarding the vertical and horizontal (tower and square) stratification of historical events. Is the issue their confrontation, as Niall Ferguson points out, or their convergence and reconciliation? It seems that both occur. I would argue that in the vertical stratification we choose Plato with his metaphysics, while in the horizontal stratification we have Aristotle with his broad knowledge. Regarding global power, the author could be more analytical. However, if one wants to learn more about this topic, one can refer, for example, to the works of Henry Kissinger. Are we dealing with a concept of heuristic value or with an ontological truth? Probably, this book cannot provide an answer to that, because it is historical and not philosophical. Nevertheless, this work is enlightening, imaginative, and rich in information. I highly recommend it to everyone.

P.S. I believe the author attempts an implementation of the Neo-Platonic system of thought to History. It is a Neo-Platonic historical or social ontology. However, this Neo-Platonic influence is not mentioned at all. It seems the author was influenced by the Italian Renaissance, which in turn was influenced by the Neo-Platonic hierarchies (vertical and horizontal). This is evident from the Italian frescoes he interprets.



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