The Origins of Value

From the invention of interest in Mesopotamia and the origin of paper money in China, to the creation of mutual funds, inflation-indexed bonds, and global financial securities, here is a sweeping survey of financial innovations that have changed the world.

Exploring the foundations of the modern world. Five thousand years ago there began the most momentous revolution in human history. Beginning first in Mesopotamia, now Iraq, city civilization emerged for the first time on earth, to be followed in Egypt, India, China and the Americas. In each place, civilization arose independently and each had its own distinctive vision of the goals of life. The ideals of these ancient civilizations still shape the lives of the majority of mankind. In this fascinating historical search, Michael Wood explores these ancient cultures, looking for their essential character and their continuing legacy.

Can one coherently integrate Darwin's view of evolution with an affirmation of the value of existence? In this fresh, lean, and substantive volume, William Meyer addresses this important question.