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In Praise of Floods: The Untamed River and the Life It Brings
James C. Scott reframes rivers as alive and dynamic, revealing the consequences of treating them as resources for our profit
Rivers, on a long view, are alive. They are born; they change; they shift their channels; they forge new routes to the sea; they move both gradually and violently; they can teem (usually) with life; they may die a quasi-natural death; they are frequently maimed and even murdered.
It is the annual flood pulse—the brief time when the river occupies the floodplain—that gives a river its vitality, but it is human engineering that kills it, suppressing the flood pulse with dams, irrigation, siltation, dikes, and levees. In demonstrating these threats to the riverine world, award-winning author James C. Scott examines the life history of a particular river, the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) of Burma, the heartland and superhighway of Burman culture.
Scott opens our understanding of rivers to encompass their entirety—tributaries, wetlands, floodplains, backwaters, eddies, periodic marshlands, and the assemblage of life forms dependent on rivers for their existence and well-being. For anyone interested in the Anthropocene and the Great Acceleration, rivers offer a striking example of the consequences of human intervention in trying to control and domesticate a natural process, the complexity and variability of which we barely understand.
Rivers, on a long view, are alive. They are born; they change; they shift their channels; they forge new routes to the sea; they move both gradually and violently; they can teem (usually) with life; they may die a quasi-natural death; they are frequently maimed and even murdered.
It is the annual flood pulse—the brief time when the river occupies the floodplain—that gives a river its vitality, but it is human engineering that kills it, suppressing the flood pulse with dams, irrigation, siltation, dikes, and levees. In demonstrating these threats to the riverine world, award-winning author James C. Scott examines the life history of a particular river, the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) of Burma, the heartland and superhighway of Burman culture.
Scott opens our understanding of rivers to encompass their entirety—tributaries, wetlands, floodplains, backwaters, eddies, periodic marshlands, and the assemblage of life forms dependent on rivers for their existence and well-being. For anyone interested in the Anthropocene and the Great Acceleration, rivers offer a striking example of the consequences of human intervention in trying to control and domesticate a natural process, the complexity and variability of which we barely understand.
220 pages, Hardcover
First published February 25, 2025
34 people are currently reading
533 people want to read
About the author
James C. Scott
27 books908 followersJames C. Scott was an American political scientist and anthropologist specializing in comparative politics. He was a comparative scholar of agrarian and non-state societies, subaltern politics, and anarchism.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 31, 2025
James C. Scott has left us with a remarkable posthumous work that serves as a fitting capstone to a distinguished scholarly career dedicated to challenging conventional wisdom. This provocative study of rivers and flooding demonstrates the same intellectual fearlessness that characterized Scott's groundbreaking contributions to political science, offering readers a fundamentally new way of thinking about one of humanity's most feared natural phenomena.
What makes this book exceptional is Scott's bold reframing of flooding from an anthropocentric disaster to a natural process essential for ecological health. His insight that a flood represents "just the river breathing deeply, as it must" transforms our understanding of what we typically view as catastrophe into something more complex and necessary. This perspective shift—from seeing floods as purely destructive to recognizing their role in natural systems—exemplifies Scott's genius for revealing the limitations of human-centered thinking.
The book's analysis of human intervention in river systems provides particularly valuable insights into the unintended consequences of technological solutions. Scott's documentation of how dams and levees, while reducing frequent flooding, actually create conditions for more catastrophic floods when barriers are breached, offers crucial lessons for environmental policy and urban planning. His research reveals the paradox that our attempts to control nature often make us more vulnerable to its forces.
Perhaps most profoundly, Scott's observation that "the more civilized you are, the less resilient you are" captures essential wisdom about the trade-offs inherent in human development. This insight extends far beyond river management to illuminate broader questions about sustainability, technological dependence, and our relationship with natural systems. As a final contribution from one of our most important social scientists, this book offers both practical wisdom about flood management and deeper philosophical insights about humanity's place in the natural world.
What makes this book exceptional is Scott's bold reframing of flooding from an anthropocentric disaster to a natural process essential for ecological health. His insight that a flood represents "just the river breathing deeply, as it must" transforms our understanding of what we typically view as catastrophe into something more complex and necessary. This perspective shift—from seeing floods as purely destructive to recognizing their role in natural systems—exemplifies Scott's genius for revealing the limitations of human-centered thinking.
The book's analysis of human intervention in river systems provides particularly valuable insights into the unintended consequences of technological solutions. Scott's documentation of how dams and levees, while reducing frequent flooding, actually create conditions for more catastrophic floods when barriers are breached, offers crucial lessons for environmental policy and urban planning. His research reveals the paradox that our attempts to control nature often make us more vulnerable to its forces.
Perhaps most profoundly, Scott's observation that "the more civilized you are, the less resilient you are" captures essential wisdom about the trade-offs inherent in human development. This insight extends far beyond river management to illuminate broader questions about sustainability, technological dependence, and our relationship with natural systems. As a final contribution from one of our most important social scientists, this book offers both practical wisdom about flood management and deeper philosophical insights about humanity's place in the natural world.
July 28, 2025
'In Praise of Floods' may seem a slightly discordant title for a book in the aftermath of, well some very bad floods. The Texas Hill Country disaster of July 4, 2025 being the most recent and among the most horrific in many years. Yet the list of impactful and 'devastating' floods is long and is perhaps getting longer, though our collective memories are not very good. The Yellow River flood of 1887 killed anywhere between 900,000 and 2 million, and 1931 floods in China up to 4 million. According to NOAA it is not the case that flooding in the U.S. has gotten more deadly for humans over the past 40 years, of course other factors such as warnings and communication have played a big role in that. Yet there are undeniably some unsettling trends, certainly this summer!
James C. Scott was apparently a 'renowned' political scientist and anthropologist, but with little background in anything like hydrology, geomorphology or even environmental biology. But he was clearly a very intelligent individual with a Yale professorship and numerous well-regarded books to his credit in his chosen fields. This slim volume lays out the benefits of flood waters (for all life) succinctly and wonderfully with numerous diagrams and maps, though some a bit hard to see. Scott uses the Irawaddy (Ayeyarwady) River basin in Myanmar (Burma), where had spent considerable time in his life, to demonstrate both the natural functioning of a riverine system and the impacts of human intervention. The Irawaddy (I have to still call it that) is a complex monsoon-driven system and an effective teaching tool and incredibly depressing discussion at the same time. Interestingly, the ongoing civil war in Burma may have done more to help the environment than any Earth Day protests, as several major dam projects (most notably the Myitsone Dam) have been shelved for the time being amidst the chaos.
His analysis of the iatrogenic effects of flood control and the analogy to the overuse of antibiotics in medicine (p. 181) is brilliant. The increasingly frantic effort to eliminate all floods (illnesses) no matter how insignificant, in the long run practically guarantees floods (and drug resistant microbes) of a more catastrophic nature in the future. Wherever a flood finally defeats the complex of levees, floodwalls, and dams the results are far worse than if nothing had ever been done, and the same thing for drug overuse. The intervention to suppress Covid-19 with experimental vaccines may offer a similar parallel. More important than the sole problems of Homo Sapiens, Scott makes a powerful case for the moral (and practical) need to consider all the other life forms dependent on rivers, flooding and water availability in general. He briefly summarizes (p. 183-84) the stunning impact of our relentless focus on ourselves to the exclusion of all other living things (except perhaps for a few 'cute' species) when it comes to water. Destroying freshwater habitat such as wetlands (he calls it the 'war to exterminate mud') has done immeasurable damage to the countless species that depend on the natural functioning of the hydrologic cycle and likewise with the effort to confine rivers to man-made channels. He mentions how this results in 'The Great Drying' a term used by Ellen Wohl and other environmental scientists (several of whom I have added to the TBR list!).
I suppose these will serve as the last public words of James C. Scott who passed away in 2024, before even the copyright on this short but powerful work. I think he would be proud of the result--4.5 stars, rounded up.
James C. Scott was apparently a 'renowned' political scientist and anthropologist, but with little background in anything like hydrology, geomorphology or even environmental biology. But he was clearly a very intelligent individual with a Yale professorship and numerous well-regarded books to his credit in his chosen fields. This slim volume lays out the benefits of flood waters (for all life) succinctly and wonderfully with numerous diagrams and maps, though some a bit hard to see. Scott uses the Irawaddy (Ayeyarwady) River basin in Myanmar (Burma), where had spent considerable time in his life, to demonstrate both the natural functioning of a riverine system and the impacts of human intervention. The Irawaddy (I have to still call it that) is a complex monsoon-driven system and an effective teaching tool and incredibly depressing discussion at the same time. Interestingly, the ongoing civil war in Burma may have done more to help the environment than any Earth Day protests, as several major dam projects (most notably the Myitsone Dam) have been shelved for the time being amidst the chaos.
His analysis of the iatrogenic effects of flood control and the analogy to the overuse of antibiotics in medicine (p. 181) is brilliant. The increasingly frantic effort to eliminate all floods (illnesses) no matter how insignificant, in the long run practically guarantees floods (and drug resistant microbes) of a more catastrophic nature in the future. Wherever a flood finally defeats the complex of levees, floodwalls, and dams the results are far worse than if nothing had ever been done, and the same thing for drug overuse. The intervention to suppress Covid-19 with experimental vaccines may offer a similar parallel. More important than the sole problems of Homo Sapiens, Scott makes a powerful case for the moral (and practical) need to consider all the other life forms dependent on rivers, flooding and water availability in general. He briefly summarizes (p. 183-84) the stunning impact of our relentless focus on ourselves to the exclusion of all other living things (except perhaps for a few 'cute' species) when it comes to water. Destroying freshwater habitat such as wetlands (he calls it the 'war to exterminate mud') has done immeasurable damage to the countless species that depend on the natural functioning of the hydrologic cycle and likewise with the effort to confine rivers to man-made channels. He mentions how this results in 'The Great Drying' a term used by Ellen Wohl and other environmental scientists (several of whom I have added to the TBR list!).
I suppose these will serve as the last public words of James C. Scott who passed away in 2024, before even the copyright on this short but powerful work. I think he would be proud of the result--4.5 stars, rounded up.
September 26, 2025
After learning Scott passed away last year I was surprised about this posthumously published book. Since ‘Seeing Like a State’ is without a doubt one of my favourite books, I didn’t hesitate picking up his last publication.
‘In Praise of Floods’ obviously carries Scott’s fingerprints. There’s some illuminating passages throughout the book and Scott’s unique outlook on the world can be sensed while reading the book. Reading it felt as a final goodbye to the author and as such I enjoyed reading it.
It must be said however, that this is nowhere near his best work. As Scott himself admits in the introduction his circumstances didn’t allow him to research the book as he normally would and, unfortunately, it shows. While the book carries interesting ideas that I’m sure Scott would have been able to substantiate like no one else could during his better days, this book misses such depth.
By no means a bad book, but unfortunately not a book that lives up to its full potential.
‘In Praise of Floods’ obviously carries Scott’s fingerprints. There’s some illuminating passages throughout the book and Scott’s unique outlook on the world can be sensed while reading the book. Reading it felt as a final goodbye to the author and as such I enjoyed reading it.
It must be said however, that this is nowhere near his best work. As Scott himself admits in the introduction his circumstances didn’t allow him to research the book as he normally would and, unfortunately, it shows. While the book carries interesting ideas that I’m sure Scott would have been able to substantiate like no one else could during his better days, this book misses such depth.
By no means a bad book, but unfortunately not a book that lives up to its full potential.
February 14, 2026
I’m a big riverine ecosystem guy now.
Genuinely so good, such an enjoyable experience. Category expanding, academically generous. Love a renowned scholar who gets to just do what he wants; when the dolphins started talking—just gold.
I’m way more comfortable with anthropocentrism than Scott, but in the good way that wants human dominion to demonstrate about 100x more of the humility and attention which he puts in here.
Genuinely so good, such an enjoyable experience. Category expanding, academically generous. Love a renowned scholar who gets to just do what he wants; when the dolphins started talking—just gold.
I’m way more comfortable with anthropocentrism than Scott, but in the good way that wants human dominion to demonstrate about 100x more of the humility and attention which he puts in here.
April 20, 2025
I’m not sure how I keep stumbling upon James C. Scott’s books (picked this up off a table in DC) but it’s been interesting to dive into near primary sources for agrarian studies.
This book focuses on rivers and, specifically, the harmful, paradoxical, and to some degree “iatrogenic” effects of human intervention on waterways and floodplains throughout the Anthropocene. It further narrows in on the Ayeyarwady River of Burma, with chapters dedicated to the negative consequences of engineered stasis, diversion, and pollution (agricultural and alluvial) on the ecosystem, with a unique chapter presented from the point of view of native riverine lifeforms. The takeaway is that the modern [state’s] aim of preventing all floods comes at the cost of laying the groundwork for more catastrophic floods (can replace “flood” with “fire” here).
Considering this book is still quite jargony, I’m glad it was short. There is separately some really great river literature and nonfiction out there, so this also served as a reminder that I’m overdue to read anything by Mark Twain.
This book focuses on rivers and, specifically, the harmful, paradoxical, and to some degree “iatrogenic” effects of human intervention on waterways and floodplains throughout the Anthropocene. It further narrows in on the Ayeyarwady River of Burma, with chapters dedicated to the negative consequences of engineered stasis, diversion, and pollution (agricultural and alluvial) on the ecosystem, with a unique chapter presented from the point of view of native riverine lifeforms. The takeaway is that the modern [state’s] aim of preventing all floods comes at the cost of laying the groundwork for more catastrophic floods (can replace “flood” with “fire” here).
Considering this book is still quite jargony, I’m glad it was short. There is separately some really great river literature and nonfiction out there, so this also served as a reminder that I’m overdue to read anything by Mark Twain.
May 3, 2025
Every college freshman should be required to read this book. An eye opening read that starts a real discussion about a world wide issue.
If you live along the Mississippi River (or any river) or farm for a living, you should read this book.
The book is so much better articulated than the current day environmentalist over hyped propaganda. James C. Scott’s last work is one that will be read and studied for decades.
A civil, entertaining and enlightening look at our waterways, environment and inhabitants of this earth.
If you live along the Mississippi River (or any river) or farm for a living, you should read this book.
The book is so much better articulated than the current day environmentalist over hyped propaganda. James C. Scott’s last work is one that will be read and studied for decades.
A civil, entertaining and enlightening look at our waterways, environment and inhabitants of this earth.
August 16, 2025
This book was a very interesting take on the ecosystem of riverine systems. It certainly enhanced my understanding of the geography and culture of Myanmar as well. Now, unless you already had a solid understanding of geologic time scales and 300-level understanding of hydrological processes, this book would leave you at a complete loss. My favorite chapter was the one written from the POV of endangers species.
July 25, 2025
“A river makes its path by flowing.”
Scott’s posthumous work extends his lifelong task of describing the impacts of domestication and state interference on the life world of various creatures and habitats (human and nonhuman alike) and is essential reading for anyone who must live to see the long term (and more immediate) consequences of the Thick Anthropocene.
Scott’s posthumous work extends his lifelong task of describing the impacts of domestication and state interference on the life world of various creatures and habitats (human and nonhuman alike) and is essential reading for anyone who must live to see the long term (and more immediate) consequences of the Thick Anthropocene.
August 13, 2025
A fascinating, at times melancholic, look into how rivers shape and are shaped by human society, along with all the denizens that live beside them. It talks about the at times catastrophic impacts of humans on their natural environment, particularly relating to the Ayeyarwady in Burma.
August 17, 2025
I loved "The Art of Not Being Governed," liked "Against the Grain," but this book just isn't anywhere as good as his other writings.
September 9, 2025
I'm a big fan of James C. Scott's works but this fell flat. There are glimmers of genius but on the whole it's slow, repetitive, and lacks focus.
November 6, 2025
3.5. Quirky! Gets a little textbooky at times but other times very much not. Does a good job of explaining complex things in a way that feel understandable.
December 15, 2025
Interesting, but pretty repetitive. Could have been condensed. Great images throughout
December 18, 2025
Absolutely has its heart in the right place but so very dry and stilted in its writing that I couldn't get through it.
January 4, 2026
'the owl of Minerva flies only at dusk' - a fascinating commentary on the damage of anthropogenic riverine engineering. Quite harrowing...bless those pink dolphins
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews