In short, Europe’s colonization of Africa had nothing to do with differences between European and African peoples themselves, as white racists assume. Rather, it was due to accidents of geography and biogeography—in particular, to the continents’ different areas, axes, and suites of wild plant and animal species. That is, the different historical trajectories of Africa and Europe stem ultimately from differences in real estate.
Jared DiamondRecent discoveries about apes suggest, however, that a gorilla or common chimp stands at least as good a chance being murdered as the average human.
Jared DiamondRhino-mounted Bantu shock troops could have overthrown the Roman Empire. It never happened.
Jared DiamondThe southward advance of native African farmers with Central African crops halted in Natal, beyond which Central African crops couldn't grow - with enormous consequences for the recent history of South Africa.
Jared DiamondMuch of human history has consisted of unequal conflicts between the haves and the have-nots.
Jared Diamond