The History Book Club discussion

"The need to 'strive for magnificence' as Bingham put it, to attach one's name to something immortal and permanent seems to be a universal human motivation."

Not sure if I agree that the above is true. Lots of folks just want to live a happy, normal life with a home and happy family life. Not sure if magnificence is a word that would describe the above. Unless passing things on to one's children deals with a sense of immortality.

Hard to say.

Indeed - maybe they were seeking a sense of immortality for themselves in terms of being the first in a particular place - from Bingham's viewpoint that may have been his motivation for sure.

I think for a select people in history this was the case. Francisco pizzaro and early conquistadors were motivated by a need to prove themselves and leave their mark. the Pharaoh's of Egypt come to mind to. I agree, though, that most want quiet, happy lives.

I agree that it was quite an achievement for the Incas to provide adequate food and shelter to their subjects. It was in their best interest to maintain their labor supply in good condition, but other empires have not shown such enlightened self-interest.

This book makes me interested in subsequent Peruvian history.

I wonder if Francisco Pizarro would have felt satisfied that, even though he was not able to hold onto his power or even his life, his name has been remembered by the ages. All over the world, school children memorize his name as the conqueror of the Inca. Perhaps that would have been enough for him.

It's interesting that Lee has self-published all of his books, although several are available on Amazon. I guess he and his wife both have that independent spirit that makes them want to be in control of their story.

Bentley wrote: ""The need to 'strive for magnificence' as Bingham put it, to attach one's name to something immortal and permanent seems to be a universal human motivation."

Not sure if I agree that the above is ..."

I find the book almost a cautionary tale about the dark side of "striving for magnificence" -- whether one's an Inca emperor, Conquistador, or explorer. It's an interesting dilemma: How to balance achievement with honesty, respect for others, and other qualities many of us value.

Kathy wrote: ""Peruvian history since Manco's death, of course, has been a rather sordid one. The Incas, although an authoritarian monarchy, had succeeded nevertheless during their short reign not only in creati..."

Are we sure the Incas fed everyone? I was also struck by this quote. I wonder if it was a little closer to utopia on some fronts, or if we've just lost details over the centuries.

Good point about the Spanish finding many allies among the people conquered by the Inca.