Jared Diamond (b. 1937, USA) is an American scientist, geographer, biologist, and writer, author of the global bestsellers Guns, Germs, and Steel and Collapse. A Pulitzer Prize winner and professor at UCLA, he studies how ecology, biology, and geography shape civilizations, blending rigorous science with engaging storytelling.
✨ Started as an ornithologist, studying New Guinea’s birds for over 20 years. 📖 Guns, Germs, and Steel won him the Pulitzer Prize in 1998. 🌍 Travelled extensively in Oceania, documenting tribal life. 💡 Core idea: geography and resources largely determine nations’ fates. 📚 In Collapse, he analysed how environmental damage led to civilizations’ downfall. 🎤 Spoke at the UN, the World Economic Forum, and TED. 🏆 Awarded the US National Medal of Science. 🖋 Writes in the “big history” genre, bridging science and history. 😅 Funny fact: said he studied New Guinea because “its birds are more exotic than California’s.” 🤔 Curious note: nicknamed “the professor of collapse” for his fascination with fallen civilizations.