The Muqaddimah
Ibn KhaldunWritten in 1377 and still more intellectually alive than most modern social theory.
Why It's Lindy
Written in 1377 and still more intellectually alive than most modern social theory. Khaldun explains how groups rise through solidarity, decay through luxury, and overreach through bad incentives. Nearly every serious theory of state formation and collapse rediscovers something he already saw.
About This Volume
Ibn Khaldun's 14th-century introduction to universal history, laying out a theory of dynasties, social cohesion, taxation, labor, and civilizational rise and decline. Often described as the first serious work of sociology and macro-history.
Frequently Asked
Why should I read The Muqaddimah?
Written in 1377 and still more intellectually alive than most modern social theory. Khaldun explains how groups rise through solidarity, decay through luxury, and overreach through bad incentives. Nearly every serious theory of state formation and collapse rediscovers something he already saw.
What is The Muqaddimah about?
Ibn Khaldun's 14th-century introduction to universal history, laying out a theory of dynasties, social cohesion, taxation, labor, and civilizational rise and decline. Often described as the first serious work of sociology and macro-history.
