ASSIGNMENT: The World is Flat by Thomas L. Friedman Discuss the book in general and what he means by "flat world" and what conditions make it flat. Focus on at least one specific topic such as the 10 flatteners or the 7 rules for business Thomas Friedman's book, "The World is Flat", discusses the enormous changes regarding technology and communications that have changed the lives of people around the world (1 ). An important point regarding the "flat world" is that we are competing with foreigners around the world for jobs, status and power. Friedman states that the world is flat because he sees it as a “level playing field” with opportunity convergences (4). He discusses events such as the creation of global supply chains, the Soviet bloc, and the capitalist restructuring of China that broke down “vertical walls” and created a single global market (4). It also has a strong focus on the growing use of technology and its ability to connect entrepreneurs around the world. Friedman believes that the world is flattened because of the new globalized economy that has connected collaborative and competing individuals seeking opportunity. Friedman discusses the unity of the world, writing about the flattening of our world due to several key events and forces. Friedman is above all a "technological determinist", because he focuses on the idea that technology determines what is possible for us (3). He claims that our flat world has given us exposure to different possibilities. The advent of supply chain and outsourcing are factors contributing to the unity of our world (3). The 10 Flatteners The core of the book discusses the 10 trends that Friedman believes... middle of paper... ... now about you, but I feel like this world, especially America, is already running too fast. When was the last time you stopped for a moment to appreciate the simple things in life. I think this is a question we all need to ask ourselves. Are we willing to trade simplicity and beauty for technology and speed? Bibliography Friedman, Thomas. "The World is Flat."" New York Times "Foreign Affairs" (2005), November 13, 2006 . Drum, Kevin. "Falling Flat: Thomas Friedman's Recycled Vision of Globalization." TheWashington Monthly May 2005 1-3. 16 Nov 2006 . Satin, Mark. “Thomas Friedman's World is Flat: Where is the Depth?” RadicalMiddle Newsletter 15 May 2005 1. 16 November 2006 . Lotta, Raymond “IMPERIAL TUNNEL VISION AND THE REAL WORLD.” and Obsolete World: September 10, 2006 November 16 2006 .