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Hidden Links: How Random Historical Events Shaped Our World
How did a climate change wipe out and reset our world?
How are the Rajputs of India related to the Kims of Korea?
What happened in China during the Mahabharata war?
How was sexism injected into our DNAs by a band of nomads?
Many things with a disproportionate influence on our daily lives-including the philosophies that guide us, religions that we follow and social structures that we adhere to-are the result of some blind random baggage, rather than anything created with a specific intent. This book investigates the disproportional effect of historically unconnected events-of colossal ones like the fall of empires, spread of pandemics, or nomadic migrations, as well as trivial ones like a personal vision, a changed narrative, or a petty squabble-and connects them to our modern lives-on how deeply they affect us in the most unthinkable ways.
How are the Rajputs of India related to the Kims of Korea?
What happened in China during the Mahabharata war?
How was sexism injected into our DNAs by a band of nomads?
Many things with a disproportionate influence on our daily lives-including the philosophies that guide us, religions that we follow and social structures that we adhere to-are the result of some blind random baggage, rather than anything created with a specific intent. This book investigates the disproportional effect of historically unconnected events-of colossal ones like the fall of empires, spread of pandemics, or nomadic migrations, as well as trivial ones like a personal vision, a changed narrative, or a petty squabble-and connects them to our modern lives-on how deeply they affect us in the most unthinkable ways.
- GenresNonfictionHistory
288 pages, Paperback
Published August 15, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 30, 2023
“For want of a nail the shoe was lost,
For want of a shoe the horse was lost,
For want of a horse the rider was lost,
For want of a rider the battle was lost,
For want of a battle the kingdom was lost,
And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.” - Benjamin Franklin
Hidden Links is an aptly titled book which I picked out of sheer inquisition that arose as I read its blurb. Examples of butterfly effect shaping modern history as we know it, have always piqued my curiosity and have marvelled at the beauty of its sheer simplicity. What were you doing when you were 12? After taking the world by storm when Zac Sangeeth published ‘World History in 3 points’ in 2021 at the age of 10 , here he is with his third book co-authored by his father, Sangeeth Varghese. I remember playing hide-and-seek with my colony friends when I was Zac’s age.
What I loved about the book is how seemingly insignificant events, almost imperceptible to a commoner, have sculpted the world today. As I flipped through each chapter I had moments when I raised my eyebrows in a sweet surprise and an unfamiliar realisation. Despite most chapters being associated with climate change, the feeling of monotony was far and in-between. I particularly enjoyed reading the chapter about how Climate Change Altered Genetics of Women Empowerment’. Unfamiliar realisation.
In the epilogue - Hidden Randomness, the authors mention how our inability to connect past incidents is partly due to the gradual nature of time itself. That summarises the lingering feeling I had the entire time reading this book. For someone who hasn’t read a lot of history (unlike my husband), this was an eye opener and the simple language of the book only helped me in enjoying this book.
Hidden Links is an aptly titled book which I picked out of sheer inquisition that arose as I read its blurb. Examples of butterfly effect shaping modern history as we know it, have always piqued my curiosity and have marvelled at the beauty of its sheer simplicity. What were you doing when you were 12? After taking the world by storm when Zac Sangeeth published ‘World History in 3 points’ in 2021 at the age of 10 , here he is with his third book co-authored by his father, Sangeeth Varghese. I remember playing hide-and-seek with my colony friends when I was Zac’s age.
What I loved about the book is how seemingly insignificant events, almost imperceptible to a commoner, have sculpted the world today. As I flipped through each chapter I had moments when I raised my eyebrows in a sweet surprise and an unfamiliar realisation. Despite most chapters being associated with climate change, the feeling of monotony was far and in-between. I particularly enjoyed reading the chapter about how Climate Change Altered Genetics of Women Empowerment’. Unfamiliar realisation.
In the epilogue - Hidden Randomness, the authors mention how our inability to connect past incidents is partly due to the gradual nature of time itself. That summarises the lingering feeling I had the entire time reading this book. For someone who hasn’t read a lot of history (unlike my husband), this was an eye opener and the simple language of the book only helped me in enjoying this book.
September 7, 2023
I used to enjoy History as a subject in school and even now I love reading books based on the subject. Luckily, I also teach history and my students can instantly feel my love for History because I always have something extra to tell them apart from what is given in their text books.
Hidden Links for me was a treasure trove of one of my favourite subjects with so many random Historical Events and the interesting connections between them.
One thing I loved about the book is that the book is divided into parts that can be read individually as well as together. The concept of Fountainhead Epoch is extremely unique and interesting. The parts about climate change and its impact were extremely well written.
My favourite parts are the ones about the epic Mahabharata. The various individual events of the epic and interesting plot twists are very interesting to read.
It is not a book to rush through but read and savour slowly. But I sincerely believe it will be of interest to people with a historical inclination and appreciation for the subject. So if you are a history lover, definitely pick it up.
Hidden Links for me was a treasure trove of one of my favourite subjects with so many random Historical Events and the interesting connections between them.
One thing I loved about the book is that the book is divided into parts that can be read individually as well as together. The concept of Fountainhead Epoch is extremely unique and interesting. The parts about climate change and its impact were extremely well written.
My favourite parts are the ones about the epic Mahabharata. The various individual events of the epic and interesting plot twists are very interesting to read.
It is not a book to rush through but read and savour slowly. But I sincerely believe it will be of interest to people with a historical inclination and appreciation for the subject. So if you are a history lover, definitely pick it up.
September 13, 2023
How Random Historical Events Shaped Our World
🧩This remarkable book delves into an essential timeline connecting many of humanity's innovations and breakthroughs during the specific period from 300 to 600 BCE. The authors refer to this era as the "Fountainhead Epoch."
The foundation of all progress made by human beings was achieved in a short span of three centuries between 600 and 300 BCE, making it the Fountainhead epoch.
The hidden randomness in our history, which has contributed to shaping the modern era, plays a significant role in world history.
🧩Within this book, readers gain insight into the origins of humanity's journey, tracing its progress and evolution to the modern world. By linking historical events that occurred in different parts of the world but within the same century, it reveals how these connections led to significant transformations. The book provides introductory details on topics ranging from domestication, the impact of climate change, the spread of religion, the history of women's empowerment, geopolitics, and the intriguing history interwoven with these factors.
🧩In summary, this book offers a glimpse into world history, all intertwined within the timeframe of 300 to 600 BCE, encapsulating a pivotal period.
What's particularly fascinating is that each section stands alone, making it a lucid and captivating way to comprehend world history. This book is suitable for curious teenagers and history enthusiasts, offering a fresh approach to learning about the past.
🧩This remarkable book delves into an essential timeline connecting many of humanity's innovations and breakthroughs during the specific period from 300 to 600 BCE. The authors refer to this era as the "Fountainhead Epoch."
The foundation of all progress made by human beings was achieved in a short span of three centuries between 600 and 300 BCE, making it the Fountainhead epoch.
The hidden randomness in our history, which has contributed to shaping the modern era, plays a significant role in world history.
🧩Within this book, readers gain insight into the origins of humanity's journey, tracing its progress and evolution to the modern world. By linking historical events that occurred in different parts of the world but within the same century, it reveals how these connections led to significant transformations. The book provides introductory details on topics ranging from domestication, the impact of climate change, the spread of religion, the history of women's empowerment, geopolitics, and the intriguing history interwoven with these factors.
🧩In summary, this book offers a glimpse into world history, all intertwined within the timeframe of 300 to 600 BCE, encapsulating a pivotal period.
What's particularly fascinating is that each section stands alone, making it a lucid and captivating way to comprehend world history. This book is suitable for curious teenagers and history enthusiasts, offering a fresh approach to learning about the past.
August 29, 2023
Hidden Links unravels the pages of history, questions received wisdom, and explores the complex relationships between seemingly unrelated occurrences. This mind-bending narrative investigates how historical occurrences like global warming, imperial ambitions, pandemics, and nomadic migrations have radically altered our way of life today.
The book takes readers on an intellectual journey through time and poses intriguing concerns about how climate change can affect our planet. There have been comparisons made between the current climate crisis and past catastrophes, suggesting the disquieting possibility of a complete reset and the eradication of our planet as we know it. Readers will undoubtedly reflect on the vulnerability of our current environment and the future of humanity after reading this notion.
Additionally, "Hidden Links" reveals unexpected links between many nations, regions, and faiths of the world, revealing parallels and common historical events that are sometimes overlooked. These comparable stories dispel myths about cultural isolation and highlight how interwoven human civilisation is.
The juxtaposition of different historical events and cultures offers a fresh perspective and encourages readers to question the narrative of history they have been taught.
The author makes a strong case that contradicts widely held notions about the causes of misogyny and offers a new perspective on gender relations throughout history. Readers are prompted to reconsider their view of the significant influence that historical events can have on current society norms by this unusual suggestion.
The author's writing style is engaging keeping readers captivated as the unraveling of hidden truths progresses. Each chapter weaves together various historical events, drawing readers deeper into the web of connections.
This book will take readers on a fascinating tour of the undiscovered connections that bind our planet, especially those who like the way history, intrigue, and mystery are combined. In this mind-bending investigation, get ready to have everything you thought you understood about history challenged.
The book takes readers on an intellectual journey through time and poses intriguing concerns about how climate change can affect our planet. There have been comparisons made between the current climate crisis and past catastrophes, suggesting the disquieting possibility of a complete reset and the eradication of our planet as we know it. Readers will undoubtedly reflect on the vulnerability of our current environment and the future of humanity after reading this notion.
Additionally, "Hidden Links" reveals unexpected links between many nations, regions, and faiths of the world, revealing parallels and common historical events that are sometimes overlooked. These comparable stories dispel myths about cultural isolation and highlight how interwoven human civilisation is.
The juxtaposition of different historical events and cultures offers a fresh perspective and encourages readers to question the narrative of history they have been taught.
The author makes a strong case that contradicts widely held notions about the causes of misogyny and offers a new perspective on gender relations throughout history. Readers are prompted to reconsider their view of the significant influence that historical events can have on current society norms by this unusual suggestion.
The author's writing style is engaging keeping readers captivated as the unraveling of hidden truths progresses. Each chapter weaves together various historical events, drawing readers deeper into the web of connections.
This book will take readers on a fascinating tour of the undiscovered connections that bind our planet, especially those who like the way history, intrigue, and mystery are combined. In this mind-bending investigation, get ready to have everything you thought you understood about history challenged.
September 7, 2023
Hidden Links
This is a brilliant book for beginners. Although it's not for history pros like me anyone who is interested in history can start with this.
First thing first, it piqued my interest when I saw it was written by one of the world's youngest historians Zac Varghese, and the subtitle - How Random Historical Events Shaped Our World. I wanted to know how it happened.
History I read a lot but I know history and science books are never-ending projects; every day new things are added, new expeditions, new research stretching the boundary frequently and added in books so if you are a keen reader you must read everything new that is published.
The book is superbly crafted, it's short world history in a handy format and really covers ancient world history in the easiest way.
Zac created a vast world landscape in a compact frame and presented everything from the climate change perspective. How changing climate ensured the progress of humanity. He tells history in a handy format for beginners and students will be perplexed to know how natural disasters like famines, floods, and draught played management roles for civilizations.
Nature's disproportionate behavior exploring with the theme of history and making changes in philosophy, social structure, and religious ideas, wasn't a very boring idea, beginners will find it interesting and engaging. Climate change is one such element that is actually shaping mankind. The pattern is very cleverly executed with sequences.
I read them before and read again thoroughly with Zac's smart tone only to discover the final chapter which is the best in my opinion. I loved the final chapter "How a climate change altered our genetics of women empowerment or should I say women oppression mentality.
Monotonous, and sometimes academic, Zac presents arguments with diagrams and charts yet it sounds candid in some chapters which is praiseworthy.
Yes, I loved it. I enjoyed this short trip to history. Zac narrated it's like a time travel.
If you are a history enthusiasts, start with this book.
This is a brilliant book for beginners. Although it's not for history pros like me anyone who is interested in history can start with this.
First thing first, it piqued my interest when I saw it was written by one of the world's youngest historians Zac Varghese, and the subtitle - How Random Historical Events Shaped Our World. I wanted to know how it happened.
History I read a lot but I know history and science books are never-ending projects; every day new things are added, new expeditions, new research stretching the boundary frequently and added in books so if you are a keen reader you must read everything new that is published.
The book is superbly crafted, it's short world history in a handy format and really covers ancient world history in the easiest way.
Zac created a vast world landscape in a compact frame and presented everything from the climate change perspective. How changing climate ensured the progress of humanity. He tells history in a handy format for beginners and students will be perplexed to know how natural disasters like famines, floods, and draught played management roles for civilizations.
Nature's disproportionate behavior exploring with the theme of history and making changes in philosophy, social structure, and religious ideas, wasn't a very boring idea, beginners will find it interesting and engaging. Climate change is one such element that is actually shaping mankind. The pattern is very cleverly executed with sequences.
I read them before and read again thoroughly with Zac's smart tone only to discover the final chapter which is the best in my opinion. I loved the final chapter "How a climate change altered our genetics of women empowerment or should I say women oppression mentality.
Monotonous, and sometimes academic, Zac presents arguments with diagrams and charts yet it sounds candid in some chapters which is praiseworthy.
Yes, I loved it. I enjoyed this short trip to history. Zac narrated it's like a time travel.
If you are a history enthusiasts, start with this book.
August 31, 2023
Random but connected – Just as the authors describe the turn of events, occurrences, history and mythology encapsulated in this book. This one is Pandora's box of information and intriguing concepts which were unknown to me before. From how climate change reset our world, the rise of the silk road, religious dynamism, discovering Mahabharata to the role of climate change in altering the basis of women empowerment, this one covers multiple topics.
The concept of Fountainhead epoch was unique where they mention that the foundation of all progress made by humans was achieved only in a short span of three centuries from 600 and 300 BCE, making it the fountainhead epoch. You will come across many such refreshing ideas in this one.
It was a dive into historical narratives in the form of well-explained timelines and you can visualize historical events unfold. From Buddhism, Islam, Christianity to Hinduism, the transitions within have been penned in an interesting manner. I particularly found intriguing the numerous similarities between these supposedly different religions.
The powerful position of women in Egypt, Indus valley and sexism in Mycenaean civilisations are also explained. The steppe terrain giving value to a warrior culture being a major reason for eventual global sexism was interesting to learn. Diagrams and maps are welcome additions as well.
The language is easy to comprehend but will be appreciated more by those interested in history as this is definitely a history-heavy read. Can you uncover the hidden links?
The concept of Fountainhead epoch was unique where they mention that the foundation of all progress made by humans was achieved only in a short span of three centuries from 600 and 300 BCE, making it the fountainhead epoch. You will come across many such refreshing ideas in this one.
It was a dive into historical narratives in the form of well-explained timelines and you can visualize historical events unfold. From Buddhism, Islam, Christianity to Hinduism, the transitions within have been penned in an interesting manner. I particularly found intriguing the numerous similarities between these supposedly different religions.
The powerful position of women in Egypt, Indus valley and sexism in Mycenaean civilisations are also explained. The steppe terrain giving value to a warrior culture being a major reason for eventual global sexism was interesting to learn. Diagrams and maps are welcome additions as well.
The language is easy to comprehend but will be appreciated more by those interested in history as this is definitely a history-heavy read. Can you uncover the hidden links?
December 13, 2023
𝙃𝙞𝙙𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝙇𝙞𝙣𝙠𝙨 𝙗𝙮 𝙎𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙝 𝙑𝙖𝙧𝙜𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙕𝙖𝙘 𝙎𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙝 - 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝
Have you ever given thought to the patterns in the world around you?
💡We humans have an intriguing sense of curiosity, constantly trying to identify and associate patterns with everything we see. In turn, what we can't readily explain often become "random events."
💡But what if these seemingly random events are simply patterns we haven't discovered yet? Perhaps "Hidden Links" can help us see the connections.
💡The use research and data to unveil a fascinating web linking seemingly random events throughout history makes it intriguing.
From the rise and fall of civilizations to the impact of climate change on genetics, the books explores a variety of topics which fates back to Mahabharata.
📌 What I liked the most about this book is it's unique structure allows you to read it "freehandedly." Each paragraph stands alone, making it easy to pick up and put down without losing track of the bigger picture.
📌 The authors present their thesis in a clear and logical manner, supported by references and evidence, which makes it an easy to read and comprehensive book.
📌 Whether you're a curious individual or a history buff, "Hidden Links" promises to expand your understanding of the world and its hidden connections, and in turn might be the perfect fit for your bookshelf.
Have you ever given thought to the patterns in the world around you?
💡We humans have an intriguing sense of curiosity, constantly trying to identify and associate patterns with everything we see. In turn, what we can't readily explain often become "random events."
💡But what if these seemingly random events are simply patterns we haven't discovered yet? Perhaps "Hidden Links" can help us see the connections.
💡The use research and data to unveil a fascinating web linking seemingly random events throughout history makes it intriguing.
From the rise and fall of civilizations to the impact of climate change on genetics, the books explores a variety of topics which fates back to Mahabharata.
📌 What I liked the most about this book is it's unique structure allows you to read it "freehandedly." Each paragraph stands alone, making it easy to pick up and put down without losing track of the bigger picture.
📌 The authors present their thesis in a clear and logical manner, supported by references and evidence, which makes it an easy to read and comprehensive book.
📌 Whether you're a curious individual or a history buff, "Hidden Links" promises to expand your understanding of the world and its hidden connections, and in turn might be the perfect fit for your bookshelf.
September 7, 2023
Hidden Links: How Random Historical Events Shaped Our World by Sangeeth Varghese & Zac Sangeeth
.
This book by all of 12 years Zac and his dad is a strategic mapping of historical events all over the world bringing together how they have shaped today's climate change and also misogynistic attitudes that are prevalent.
.
Illustrated with relevant timelines we go through various civilizations, rise of parallel events in religion, art, societies and culture which we never thought to connect the book is a mind mender and you will have to pause and think that how simply history can reveal itself and shape us in the contemporary.
.
The language simplicity makes the book so easy to follow that although very factual in binding up, the book only intrigues you never bringing in any boredom.
.
If you have ever wondered or wanted to know more in brief about how the past shapes the future in ways we did not think - you have your answer here.
.
.
This book by all of 12 years Zac and his dad is a strategic mapping of historical events all over the world bringing together how they have shaped today's climate change and also misogynistic attitudes that are prevalent.
.
Illustrated with relevant timelines we go through various civilizations, rise of parallel events in religion, art, societies and culture which we never thought to connect the book is a mind mender and you will have to pause and think that how simply history can reveal itself and shape us in the contemporary.
.
The language simplicity makes the book so easy to follow that although very factual in binding up, the book only intrigues you never bringing in any boredom.
.
If you have ever wondered or wanted to know more in brief about how the past shapes the future in ways we did not think - you have your answer here.
.
July 11, 2024
Curiosity, pure curiosity; is the reason I picked this book and it gave me an insightful experience.
Hidden Links: How Random Historical Events Shaped Our World by Sangeeth Varghese & Zac Sangeeth is a book that delves deep into the history of the world, spanning across civilizations, reigns, social structures, politics environment, ideological shifts, governance and climatic conditions, with various peculiar factors that have time and again come to impact the pattern of living for the world as a whole.
This book captures snippets of various impactful events that took place simultaneously across various regions carving diverse ways of life.
Penned in a simple and crisp tone, reading this book is a pleasurable and satisfying experience.
History lovers and those who wish to discover the myriad unknown and unexpected facts that have led to the reality of today shouldn’t miss this one!
Verdict: Read it.
Hidden Links: How Random Historical Events Shaped Our World by Sangeeth Varghese & Zac Sangeeth is a book that delves deep into the history of the world, spanning across civilizations, reigns, social structures, politics environment, ideological shifts, governance and climatic conditions, with various peculiar factors that have time and again come to impact the pattern of living for the world as a whole.
This book captures snippets of various impactful events that took place simultaneously across various regions carving diverse ways of life.
Penned in a simple and crisp tone, reading this book is a pleasurable and satisfying experience.
History lovers and those who wish to discover the myriad unknown and unexpected facts that have led to the reality of today shouldn’t miss this one!
Verdict: Read it.
May 11, 2026
While interesting, the material is more hypothesis than researched evidence and proven links. Still a good read for the hypothetical links and a refresher on some of the history.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews