Lexus and the Olive Tree by Thomas Book Review

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Lexus and the Olive Tree" by Thomas L. Friedman.

Book Review of "The Lexus and the Olive Tree," by Thomas L. Friedman

We begin our essay on this highly informative yet brilliantly written magnum opus with a certain reflection on the title of the book, "The Lexus and the Olive Tree." The Lexus in the book title offers a great deal of priceless smattering on the technological advancement that the constant and revolutionary process of globalization has brought along to our world where distinct cultures have evolved and national aspirations are sky-high. This cultural mix of identity, customs, traditions, conventional ways of functioning as a society and national ambitions as well as the traditional roots and stability is what the avid traveler has referred to as The Olive Tree.

In his wonderful and evidently triumphant attempt at the media and cyberspace world and current affairs, he advises his readers to strike a balance between the community values and strengths as well as functioning of global economy and the technological and economic requirements that have become necessities in reality. The author is of the view that no matter how we manage or perceive it, there is a dire need to comprehend the significance of balancing the community components as well as the technological elements. Both have to work together. Both are interdependent and perform parallel to each other towards the building up of a society.

From the introduction right up to page 305 of his masterwork, the author not only presents his logical thesis but also his supportive and side arguments and ideas and opinions that make a lot of sense. The rest of the book follows the same pattern but somehow seems to have lost the previous clear line of reasoning. By defining what globalization process is all about and providing detailed accounts of how this intricate process dictates the success of our society today by bringing about positive changes in life, the author puts forth his thesis that globalization is a system recognized worldwide and is solely responsible for replacing the Cold War system (Friedman, p. 7). The author while summing up this clear and highly logical thesis statement writes the following:

For all these reasons, I would, sum up the differences between the two eras of globalization this way: If the first era of globalization shrank the world from a size "large" to a size "medium," this era of globalization is shrinking the world from a size "medium" to a size "small" (Friedman, From The Introduction: Opening Scene)

On the same account, we can safely culminate that the author provides his thesis in the beginning thereby proving the accuracy of his thesis by providing conclusive evidence in the rest of the book until the very end.

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Until page 305 wherein his ability to prove his point by hook or by crook reaches its optimum level and the reader cannot help but agree to the author's views about the global economy and the connection between technical advancement and community solidarity. By providing the example of Osama Bin Ladin, Friedman proves his point that it is not only superpowers but also super humans beings that when equipped with the latest technological tools and aided by strong personal relations and contacts plays a vital role in determining the global economy and the amount of power nations, groups, races and people have (Friedman, The Lexus and the Olive Tree). One of the most wonderful and thought-provoking quotes from the book is when the writer pens down towards the end, "Sometimes the news is in the noise...But sometimes the news is actually in the silence-- in what isn't being said" (Friedman, The Lexus and The Olive Tree). What he means by this quote is different than how he is conveying what he implies and what he wants his readers to know. The beauty of the language and creativity at play did wonders in leaving a stimulating impression on my mind.

Using a great variety of words and prudently selected sentences, Thomas Friedman's marvelous piece of literary effort offers an insightful journey in the functioning of the global economy (The Lexus). The author clearly yet vividly….....

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