Fundamentally, religions are basically alike...

It is very fascinating to read in Chapter 4 that religions emerged around the same time. It is also very interesting to reflect on the affect that religion has had on the world. As the text book states, "those traditions are the most enduring legacies that second-wave civilizations have bequeathed to the modern world". [WW Pg 166]

Religion tried to answer the following questions:

What is the purpose of life?

How should human society be ordered?

What is the relationship between human life in this world and the moral or spiritual realms that lie beyond?

It was interesting to read how almost all of the religions encouraged hierarchy and gender inequality. 

I thought it was also interesting that Christianity [out off all the major religions] was plagued with internal conflict. I think division is a very interesting characteristic of religion. I think it highlights the human condition to be free to make your decisions. 

Are we Rome?

The beginning of Chapter 3 asks the question: Are we Rome? I think this is a very relevant question in light of our current political climate and the presidential election's tone and tenor. When Barrack Obama was voted into office, I believe there was hope that we would enter a time of peace. Unfortunately, that has not happened. The United States continues to feel the need to be the gatekeeper of peace through out the world. I am upset by the political rhetoric that implies that there should be increased military expansion to combat enemies thousands of miles away. What exactly are we trying to accomplish?

I am afraid that our increased footprint will only encourage new enemies to emerge. I hope we are able to learn from the past and evolve in a way that encourages peace despite the differences of others. Unfortunately, as I read this text, my optimism must be checked by a decent amount of pessimism. So to answer the question, Are we Rome? I am afraid that the answer is a strong maybe. 

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". 

Yay! I'm done! =)