Do you agree with jared diamond when he says of a civilizations ability to gain power, wealth, and strength, "…what's far more important is the hand that people have been dealt, the raw materials they've had at their disposal." why or why not?

How do you think that attitude affected the outcome of the novel? did the attitude contribute to the fate of the characters ?

The decision states that legislation cannot overcome social prejudice. can it reinforce social prejudice? how?

Read the aphorisms. be slow in choosing a friend, slower in changing. an open foe may prove a curse; but a pretended friend is worse. a true friend is the best possession. according to these aphorisms from benjamin franklin's poor richard's almanack, what might happen if a person is careless in choosing a friend? it is best not to have friends because they will usually betray you. casual friends are often the best and can be more trusted than enemies. a person who has betrayed you can sometimes become a good friend. a friend who is not carefully chosen can be worse than an enemy.