WW Chapters 1 & 2

Paleo-thoughts:

95% of our human existence has been nomadic.

I like how the author reminds us that human history is important because much of our progress has been cultural and learned versus biologic. This is unique to an animal species. 

I found it interesting when the author talked about the migration of humans into the South Pacific. They created stratified societies and their migration led to mass extinction and environmental impacts. (i.e. Easter Island)

Paleolithic humans were egalitarian. This is before the forces of tyranny and oppression. While gender roles were different, relationships between men and women were far more equal. Paleolithic societies were plagued with high rates of violence. 

"Original affluent society- Not because they had so much but because they wanted so little" [Pg 22]

Many paleolithic societies saw time and events as cyclical. Seasons, moon, menstruation.

Neo-thoughts:

Agriculture changed human history. But for the worse?

Whom tamed who? It may appear that corn and cows tamed humans versus humans taming corn and cows.

Ice age: "What climate change took away with one hand, it apparently gave back with the other." 

I thought it was interesting that agriculture led to exposure to new diseases. Gender equality.

Civilization:

I am beginning to appreciate the author's attempt to change our perspective on certain points in history.  The writing seems to be tailored to those who have taken a world history course before. For example, the author uses the term "gatherer-hunter" society, to change the sequencing of the common term "hunter-gatherer". Putting gatherer first, puts more emphasis on the primary form of human food intake. The author also asks us to reflect on the term: civilization. On page 89, we are asked to leave our previous notions behind when it comes to defining "civilization".