This book provides a factual basis for evaluating economic, historical, and sociological theories that explain the rise and fall of civilizations.

2010 Reprint of 1961 edition. David C. McClelland (1917- 1998) was an American psychological theorist. Noted for his work on achievement motivation. David McClelland is most noted for describing three types of motivational need, which he identified in his 1961 book, The Achieving Society: 1. achievement motivation, 2. authority/power motivation, 3. affiliation motivation. His now classic book provides a factual basis for evaluating economic, historical, and sociological theories that explain the rise and fall of civilizations.