Summary of Dark Age Ahead

"Dark Age Ahead" is a book written by Jane Jacobs in which she examines the reasons why civilizations may decline and ultimately fail. Jacobs identifies five key pillars of society that, if neglected or undermined, can lead to a "dark age" in which progress and prosperity stagnate or even reverse. These pillars include family and community, higher education, taxation and government revenue, professional integrity, and self-policing by the learned professions. Through a series of case studies and examples, Jacobs argues that modern society is at risk of entering a "dark age" if these pillars are not upheld and nurtured. She calls for a renewed focus on strengthening these pillars in order to prevent the decline of civilization.