Sahlins' "Islands of History"

Sahlins' "Islands of History" describes how some societies experience bursts of change—like historical moments—differing from the steady, long-term evolution typical elsewhere. These societies are seen as "islands" where history seems to unfold rapidly or uniquely, often due to specific cultural, social, or environmental factors. Outside these "islands," change is slower or more predictable. The concept highlights how certain groups can be temporarily distinct from broader historical patterns, allowing us to understand their unique transformations without assuming all societies follow the same timeline or process.