Pastoral Societies

Chapter 11 was interesting to read because it gave us a different perspective on how societies could be shaped and influenced. So much of the text so far has been focused on agrarian societies and their manipulation of the environment around them.

Despite their smaller size, pastoral societies were shaped and manipulated by the environment around them. Since they did not have the means to develop into an agricultural society, they had to use animals and animal by-products to excel their empire.

After reading the Chapter and learning more about the Mongol Empire (see link below), I have a different perspective on its impact and influence. I must admit that I was guilty in only hearing the "Western Civ" version. While they were sometimes brutal, so to were other civilizations of the time. The affect they had on China and Eastern Europe, forever changed the course of history.

http://www.allempires.com/article/index.php?q=The_Mongol_Empire

Suppression of Women & Body Modification

A disturbing and recurring theme throughout these chapters has been the suppression of women throughout parts of human history. It seems that in all possible ways, women have been suppressed either mentally, physically or verbally.  

Veils
Foot binding

Neck elongation

It is interesting to contemplate why these types of practices started. As I continued reading on, there was a small story about eunuchs as well. While these are men that are castrated, I still thought it was interesting that humans would go to this degree of body modification for cultural or religious purposes. As our culture continues to evolve, I hope we are able to create environments where this type of body modification is completely by choice. 

Trade: Goods & Ideas on the Move

In the second wave of civilization, we focused on how agriculture settled humans and led to specialization and civilizations. As we move to the third wave of civilizations, we see how trade and the exchange of ideas began to intermingle different cultures. This was accomplished through different trade routes including the Silk Road, the Sand Route, and the Indian Ocean Sea Route. 

Not only did humans of this time exchange goods, but they also exchanged ideas, religion and even disease. We often think of modern globalization as a recent phenomena but we are reminded during this Chapter that the byproducts of trade have been occurring for millennia. The only difference is the rate of acceleration with how goods and ideas are exchanged. We can also make the comparison that land and see have been exchanged with air and digital technology. 

I also thought it was interesting to see how people have always been suspicious of trade. In Chapter 7, Strayer talked about how traders were seen as suspicious characters. There has and perhaps always will be an element of suspicion due to underlying competition. In our modern times, we see how trade has an inherent element of competition by focusing on who is getting the better deal. Donald Trump has talked about how previous trade deals have hurt certain groups in America and benefited other countries like China and Mexico.

Another thought I had while reviewing Chapter 7, was the symbiotic relationship between trade and transportation. I wondered which led which. Did new forms of transportation lead to trade or did trade drive the development of new transportation?

I thought it was interesting that the author left us with the thought that things are beginning to equalize through trade. It does make you wonder if we will be able to set aside our competitive need for power and resources and allow other countries to participate in sharing wealth. 
SaveSaveSaveSave
SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave

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! =)