What can we learn from ancient hunter-gatherer lifestyles?
Farming, industry & internet are recent phenomena in Big History. Perhaps our genes, bodies & minds are still governed by how we evolved & lived in those ancient times. Can we borrow a few ideas?
The dangers of reconstructing the past cannot be overstated, but let’s try…
1. HGs hunted for food, or became food. No physical exertion, no food.
2. They possibly went hungry often. Periodic feast and fast.
3. They lived in small tribes…intimately knew and supported each other.
4. They had few material possessions.
5. They lived off and amidst nature.
6. They had no concept of work. Possibly had much leisure
Romancing the misty past is not useful. But we could experiment with a few habits.
No run, no food.
If you observe, and learn
You are growing up
— -
If you learn, and change your opinions
You are a man of the world
— -
If your opinions dictate your actions
You are a slave
— -
If your actions direct your thinking
You are ignorant
— -
If your thinking improves your life
You are smart
— -
If your life is tranquil
You are wise
— -
If you are wise
You will observe, and learn
What a sorry state, how tragic
What a wretched life, how comic
— -
What fun, what frolic
What pleasure, what magic
— -
What’s good, what’s bad
How complex, how mad
— -
Now frail, now pale
How weak, how bleak
— -
What life, what death
How primal, how dismal
— -
How to live, how to die
How, what, how, why
— -
Another life, more strife?
Another death, afterlife?
— -
Learn, know, release
Peace, peace, peace
