First published in the United States by W.W.Norton and Company, on March 1 1997, Guns, Germs and Steel was initially subtitled ‘The Fates of Human Societies.’ Within a few months, this subtitle had ... insider.si.edu: Guns, germs, and steel : the fates of human societies / Jared Diamond Guns, germs, and steel : the fates of human societies / Jared Diamond So far, Jared Diamond has demonstrated how geography favoured one group of people – Europeans – endowing them with agents of conquest ahead of their rivals around the world. Guns, germs and steel ...

Understanding the Context

There are germs, also called microbes, in the air; on food, plants and animals; and in the soil and water. Germs are on just about every surface, including the human body. Most germs cause no harm. The immune system protects against things that cause infections, called infectious agents.

Key Insights

Germs are tiny organisms that can cause disease. Learn about what germs do, the different kinds, and how to avoid them. Germs, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms make up this hidden empire. Though often feared, especially during pandemics or flu seasons, these microscopic life forms are not just agents of disease. Many germs live in and on our bodies without causing harm.

Final Thoughts

Some even help us to stay healthy. But some germs can make you sick. Infectious diseases are diseases that are caused by germs. The main types of germs are bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. How do germs spread? There are different ways that germs can spread, including: