In the most monumental study of the history of civilization for several generation, the author describes the grand sweep of history in the style of Gibbon, Toynbee and Spengler. He looks for the underlying patterns rather than the shorter-term political, economic or social movements. His unique interpretation is, firstly, to see religion as the basis for civilization rather than one element in its cultural expression. Saints, mystics, gurus, prophets, religious founders -it is these that drive history rather than kings and politicians. Secondly, it is to describe all religion as part of a common vision, that of the light. The experience of the light is described by mystics everywhere in the world, at all times. Over centuries it finds expression in laws. Buildings, churches, regions, which in turn eventually crumble. The third element in Hagger’s analysis is relating Light-inspires religious to their cultures and civilizations, tracing the process, common to all civilizations, where they decline as the original fire of the light is lost. Finally, in this updated version of his thinking, he looks at the implications for western civilizations today, facing huge changes like the collapse of the Soviet empire and the hostility of much of the Muslim world, and offers pointers to the future. An extraordinary book and must read for all.
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