E tenebras, lux dormiens

How civilizations fall by Kenneth Minogue

An essay on the attack of civilization from within, rather than without. Small sample:

It has been men who have invented things and found challenges in nature, such as climbing high mountains or sailing alone around the world. And once men have done it, women will also do it. These remain highly notable enterprises, well beyond the reach of all but a few men, but they also exemplify the fact that innovation remains largely the specialization of white males. Women can do marvellous things with a house, but they do need the house to be there in the first place.

There are some aspects I don't agree with, but I can see his perspectives on different things.