The author invites you to consider whether you think that a proper balance was struck regarding the amount of pages devoted to certain peoples and civilizations in this section, and the book so far as a whole.  He also asks you think about what criteria might influence the study of certain cultures and civilizations, such as size, duration, religion, and changing world events.  I think as a North American it is refreshing to learn more about far off civilizations such as in Eurasia, Africa, Persia, etc.  Many of us have already been exposed to Western civilization and European history throughout our early school years so it is fascinating to learn more about these distant cultures and civilizations.  That being said, closer to home I find the Maya, Inca, and Aztec civilizations fascinating with their pyramids, death ball games, intricate water systems, and disappearing mystical nature.  Similar to these cultures I would like to learn more about the North American Mound Builders; I do not remember learning about this and it seems fascinating to know more about how they built these giant mounds, and for what purpose.