Book: The Lexus And The Olive Tree

Author: Thomas L. Friedman
Title: The Lexus And The Olive Tree


Award-winning journalist Thomas Friedman embarks on a journey around the world to work on this book. The book looks into the effects of rapid globalisation on traditional culture. The interaction between globalisation and culture is covered in deep detail by Friedman, as he looks into how they work together and against each other.

The first two chapters focus on the current trend on globalisation and how nations can 'plug into the system' and benefit from it. The next chapter focuses on how globalisation has failed, and how it leads to the discontent and unhappiness we see today. In the last chapter, Friedman warns us against letting the system manage us if we fail to manage it ourselves.

"A healthy global society is one which can balance the Lexus and the olive tree all the time., and there is no better model for this on earth today than America. And that's why I believe so strongly that for globalization to be sustainable America must be at its best -- today, tomorrow, all the time. It not only can be, it must be, a beacon for the whole world. Let us not squander this precious legacy."

Friedman has done a great job with this book, but this book isn't just for any casual reader. The book gets dry at times, albeit being very informative. Also, Friedman's reference to Enron has to be taken with a pinch of salt since the book was written before the entire Enron saga. Also, some of the information in the book may already be slightly outdated due to recent changes in the financial world. Some readers may find his pro-American style a little overbearing; some of the terms he use on those who fail to 'plug into the system' are indeed a little harsh.

If you manage to drag yourself through this book and happen to like his style of writing, do take a look at his later book titled 'The World Is Flat'. And of course, do check out Joseph Stieglitz's 'Globalization And Its Discontents' for another view on globalization.