Modern man puts an incorrect meaning in the word "network," essentially identifying it with the Internet. People actually became part of the network before they even started talking. The very principles of life and even history are built on connections and hierarchies that can replace each other, complement or completely exclude each other. In his book, Nial Ferguson describes in detail how networks were formed throughout human history, how secret organizations were created with their help, and also tells why strict hierarchy is not a panacea for society. Of course, Nial Ferguson also covers modernity in his book, where the concept of "network" has acquired unprecedented proportions, and people from all over the world are united by one huge structure. And at the same time, almost none of them understand how everything works. If you want to better understand the modern realities of politics, society and economics, Nial Ferguson's book must be read. You learn a lot about human history and our time by looking at them from a different angle.