Yali's Question

Yali's question, posed by a New Guinean politician to Jared Diamond, asks why some societies have far more wealth and power than others. It challenges us to consider the factors that lead to unequal development, such as geography, environment, access to resources, and historical events. Instead of attributing success solely to genetics or culture, Yali's question encourages an exploration of how certain advantages allowed some civilizations to thrive, while others struggled. This inquiry highlights the complex interplay of circumstances that shape human societies and their trajectories throughout history.