The World Is Flat

Further Updated and Expanded

By: Thomas L. Friedman

Narrated by: Oliver Wyman

Length: 27 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

When scholars write the history of the world twenty years from now, what will they say was the most crucial development in the first few years of the twenty-first century? The attacks on the World Trade Center on 9/11 and the Iraq war? Or the convergence of technology and events that allowed India, China, and so many other countries to become part of the global supply chain for services and manufacturing, creating an explosion of wealth in the middle classes of the world's two biggest nations? And with this "flattening" of the globe, has the world gotten too small and too fast for human beings and their political systems to adjust in a stable manner?

©2007 Thomas L. Friedman (P)2007 Audio Renaissance, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishers LLC

Critic reviews

“Excellent...[This book's] insight is true and deeply important... The metaphor of a flat world, used by Friedman to describe the next phase of globalization, is ingenious.” —Fareed Zakaria, The New York Times Book Review (cover review)

“Captivating . . . an enthralling read. To his great credit, Friedman embraces much of his flat world's complexity, and his reporting brings to vibrant life some beguiling characters and trends. . . . [The World is Flat] is also more lively, provocative, and sophisticated than the overwhelming bulk of foreign policy commentary these days. We've no real idea how the twenty-first century's history will unfold, but this terrifically stimulating book will certainly inspire readers to start thinking it all through.” —Warren Bass, The Washington Post

“No one today chronicles global shifts in simple and practical terms quite like Friedman. He plucks insights from his travels and the published press that can leave you spinning like a top. Or rather, a pancake.” —Clayton Jones, The Christian Science Monitor

A must read

This was quite the eye opener a definite must read/listen. There is so much information here I was taking notes all throughout. I will be listening to this a few more times.

21st century history

Friedman writes an important book about the roots of globalization, complete with (maybe too many) examples and personal stories. The parts on the Middle East and Karl Marx were particularly interesting. The only negative was the random dramatic and overly vitriolic anti-Bush comments.

Effected my world view

The content of this book gave me reason to focus my vision.

Friedman’s 10 flatteners will be aids to my perspective for a long time.

The Writing On The Wall

Would you consider the audio edition of The World Is Flat to be better than the print version?

That is a ridiculous question.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The ramifications of what the author is proposing.

How could the performance have been better?

This actor is be better suited for Dave Barry style humor or perhaps mouthwash commercials.

If you could give The World Is Flat a new subtitle, what would it be?

Attack of the 27 hour monologue.

Any additional comments?

The subject matter is chilling. Especially because it's fairly verifiable recent history and not some vague prediction of what COULD happen. It is made thoroughly surreal by their choice of narrator. The first analogy that springs to mind is The Revelation of John read by David Sedaris. And it's really, really long... Great Book. Terrible Implications. Weird Delivery.

Interesting Conceit

Friedman does a great job of showing how digital communications is changing how we work and how it can level access to influence. His analysis is weakened by his comittment to a free market economy. There is a moral and social dimension to the reduction of national boundaries that will come as a result of these changes which Friedman does not address. Russia should be as much a case for analysis as is India. Their differences speak to the importance of a social democracy in guiding economic change to serve the greater good.

Insightful

What made the experience of listening to The World Is Flat the most enjoyable?

The author presents a smart, insightful look at the challenges of an integrated world. The writing is not dry or bland, but engaging and human.

What did you like best about this story?

There is no story.

What about Oliver Wyman’s performance did you like?

Steady and stable.

If you could give The World Is Flat a new subtitle, what would it be?

The challenges we are facing today in an integrated world.

Please read before you pass over

1. You may be tempted to pass over this book because initially it will appear anachronous for the 2017 reader. Please do not make that mistake. Endure the obvious, from the perspective of a decade or so beyond the original publication, and glean many riches of perspective, especially at the conclusion. No, don't skip to the end - you need the context of Friedman's argument. Your perspective will make this text, like food marinated for a long time, a delicious addition to this excellent work. Be patient, and reap.

2. Should a future narrator be selected to read, I recommend an older voice. It is difficult to mesh Friedman's wisdom with such a young (sounding) voice, and distracts me from the sage advice one seeks from such a voice as Friedman.

Still Relevant in 2015

Flat Land invites me to question where would the U.S. be if we didn't have the Depression of 2008? While I am very sensitive to cynical journalism and fear based writing Flat Land has really opened up a new perspective to me. To get there in Flat Land there is some negative views to tolerate.

Timed material

Author is right on the money. Unfortunately he'll have to update it every 4 years!

Meh

It's okay. I think the author had to much personal political commentary but i did enjoy the history aspect of it.