The book The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman draws attention to some very good points about globalization and the world economy today. Friedman highlights America's current status in relation to other countries in the world. Looking at the things he warned about or highlighted, I realized the importance of this issue. He talks about some areas in which we must remain competitive for America to maintain its current position in the global market. First, Friedman talks about the different levels of globalization. There are 3 different periods in which society has differed and changed, bringing us to where we are today. Globalization 1.0, which took place from 1492 to 1800, was the first step toward a flatter world. The arrival in America and the industrial dynamism that accompanied it are what most characterized globalization 1.0. The dynamism of the industry was about things like manpower and power, and how we could use them in the global marketplace. This caused the world to “shrink” a bit and become flatter. With the discovery of a new world, the area in which business was conducted expanded, but the commonality of rules and trade led to more frequent crossing of the distance. I think Friedman's notions regarding globalization 1.0 are very accurate. The world we believe began in 1492 with the discovery of North America. Once the region began to be inhabited and populated, there was much more global interaction. Communications and trade between the American colonies and England increased, giving rise to more stable global association activity. I believe Friedman's theory is true, because the discovery of land across the ocean in the middle of paper... prevents this. This can be done by placing increasing emphasis on aspects such as the arts or things that cannot be reproduced by computers or technology. Friedman emphasizes the importance of refining right brain activities and applications. Additionally, passion for what you do and having good people skills can greatly increase a person's attractiveness. Friedman's theories have actually led me to think a little differently about the evolution of the global labor market. He seemed to make some very valid points regarding cultural and international awareness and the importance of keeping up with today's expectations. By being introduced to these important issues, I feel like I can be more aware and competitive while living in a flatter world. Work cited Friedman, Thomas L. (1996). The world is flat. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.