I remember liking the history in the book, but I think you have a point there. However, remember that we're not all so lucky as to live in a society that is so different from the ones described, so I think this book has real currency for some people (just probably not the ones who can get a copy to read).

His other big book, Guns, Germs, and Steel, teaches a related lesson about failure: if you aren't lucky enough to have the necessary resources, no matter how hard you try, your success will be limited.