The Post-Modern Great Game And Its Players—Background and Dynamics
The First Great Game
Hulton Archive 1880
The Great Game refers to the intense rivalry and strategic conflict between the British and Russian Empires during the 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily focused on Central Asia. This "game" was characterized by espionage, political intrigue, and proxy wars as both empires sought to expand their influence and secure their borders.
The Great Game is full of inspiring and entertaining stories, from novels to Netflix. Regardless of what country we were born in, we are on a steady diet of Great Game stories from birth. The ideologies and belief systems (cultural algorithms) we are programmed with are aspects and iterations of The Great Game's operating system—human, all too human.
The following are books I've read on the subject. My deep-time TV drama series features a section concerning Francis Younghusband and a fictional character in my story.
BOOKS:
"The Great Game: The Struggle for Empire in Central Asia" by Peter Hopkirk: This is considered the definitive work on the subject. Hopkirk masterfully weaves historical accounts, personal narratives, and thrilling adventures to vividly picture the rivalry between Britain and Russia.
"Kim" by Rudyard Kipling: A classic novel that captures the atmosphere of espionage and intrigue in British India during the Great Game. You'll follow the adventures of Kim, a young boy who becomes entangled in the world of spies and secret agents.
"Tournament of Shadows: The Great Game and the Race for Empire in Central Asia" by Karl E. Meyer and Shareen Blair Brysac: This book offers a more nuanced perspective, exploring the human drama and cultural impact of the Great Game through the stories of individuals caught up in the conflict.
"Trespassers on the Roof of the World: The Secret Exploration of Tibet" by Peter Hopkirk: If you're particularly interested in the British involvement in Tibet, this book delves into the fascinating and often dangerous expeditions undertaken by explorers and spies in this remote and forbidden land.
"The Return of a King: The Battle for Afghanistan" by William Dalrymple focuses on the First Anglo-Afghan War (1839-42), a key event in the Great Game. It provides a gripping account of the conflict and its devastating consequences.
"Flashman in the Great Game" by George MacDonald Fraser: This humorous historical novel follows the exploits of Harry Flashman, a cowardly British officer who stumbles through various adventures in Central Asia during the Great Game.
Critical Aspects of the Great Game:
Geographic Focus:
Central Asia, including regions like Afghanistan, Tibet, and Persia (modern-day Iran), formed the primary battleground for this rivalry. These areas were strategically crucial due to their proximity to both empires and their potential as trade routes and buffers against expansion.
Motivations:
British Empire: The British aimed to protect their valuable colony of India, the "jewel in the crown," from Russian encroachment. They feared Russia's southward expansion would threaten India's security and stability.
Russian Empire: Russia sought to expand its territory and influence in Asia, driven by a desire for warm-water ports and access to resources. They also saw the British presence in India as a potential threat.
Key Events:
Anglo-Afghan Wars: Three wars were fought between the British and Afghanistan (1839-42, 1878-80, 1919) as the British tried to assert control over the country and prevent Russian influence.
The "Great Game" in popular culture: Rudyard Kipling's novel Kim (1901) popularized the term "Great Game" and captured the atmosphere of espionage and adventure associated with this era.
End of the Great Game: The Anglo-Russian Convention of 1907 officially ended the rivalry, establishing spheres of influence in Persia, Afghanistan, and Tibet. However, the Great Game's legacy shaped the region's political landscape for decades.
Francis Younghusband and the Tibetan Massacre
Francis Younghusband (1863-1942) was a British soldier, explorer, and spiritualist who played a controversial role in the Great Game. He is best known for leading the British expedition to Tibet in 1903-1904, which resulted in the Tibetan massacre.
Brief Biography:
Early Life and Career: Younghusband was born in India and educated in England. He joined the British Army and served in India and Burma. He was also an avid explorer, undertaking several journeys through Central Asia.
Tibet Expedition: 1903 Younghusband was appointed to lead a British expedition to Tibet. The expedition's official goal was to negotiate trade agreements and address concerns about Russian influence in the region. However, the mission quickly turned into a military invasion.
Tibetan Massacre: As the British force advanced towards Lhasa, the Tibetan army attempted to resist. However, they were poorly equipped and outnumbered. In a series of clashes, including the Battle of Guru, the British inflicted heavy casualties on the Tibetans, with estimates ranging from 600 to 700 Tibetan soldiers killed. This event is known as the Tibetan massacre.
Later Life and Spiritual Conversion: Younghusband's experiences in Tibet, particularly the violence he witnessed and participated in, had a profound impact on him. He developed a deep interest in Eastern religions and philosophy, becoming a prominent spiritualist and advocate for world peace. In 1936, he founded the World Congress of Faiths, promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding.
Younghusband's Actions in Tibet and Spiritual Conversion
Controversial Legacy: Younghusband's actions in Tibet remain highly contentious. While some view him as a skilled explorer and administrator, others criticize him for his role in the invasion and the subsequent massacre.
Spiritual Awakening: The violence he witnessed in Tibet led Younghusband to question his own beliefs and values. He became disillusioned with imperialism and sought answers in Eastern spirituality.
Advocate for Peace: Younghusband later dedicated himself to promoting peace and understanding between different cultures and religions. He believed that spiritual values could help to overcome the conflicts and divisions that plagued the world.
Francis Younghusband's life and career were deeply intertwined with the Great Game and its impact on Central Asia. Though controversial, his actions in Tibet ultimately led him on a path of spiritual growth and a commitment to world peace. His story serves as a reminder of the complex and often contradictory nature of human experience, particularly in times of conflict and change.
At our current phase of Modern Technological and Industrial global civilization, with its neoliberal, financialized, fossil-fueled coded capitalism, the game's stakes couldn't be higher, and its consequences more dire.
The competition for resources among the world's great powers is a complex and ever-evolving set of concerns driven by economic needs, technological advancements, and geopolitical strategies.
Modern technology increases the scope and impact of existential risks.
Control of resources is critical to maintaining leadership in The Great Game today.
1. Energy Resources:
Oil and Natural Gas Remain crucial for transportation, industry, and power generation. Control over oil and gas reserves and supply routes is a primary source of geopolitical leverage.
Uranium: Essential for nuclear power, a significant source of energy in many countries, and a key component in nuclear weapons.
Coal: While facing environmental concerns, coal still plays a significant role in electricity generation, especially in rapidly developing economies.
Alternative energy sources like wind and solar provide a trivial quantity that can't compete with fossil fuels in providing the energy necessary for modern techno-industrial global civilization.
Too cheap to meter energy technology remains out of reach and can't be expected to replace our need for fossil fuels anytime soon.
2. Critical Minerals:
These minerals are essential for various industries, especially high-tech manufacturing and renewable energy technologies. Their scarcity and uneven distribution make them a focal point of competition. All of these resources are finite. Without vast energy resources, we can not expect to acquire them in difficult-to-reach regions such as the center of the Earth, the bottom of the oceans, or on asteroids or other planets.
Rare Earth Elements: Used in magnets, batteries, electronics, and defense applications. China currently dominates the production and processing of rare earths.
Lithium: Crucial for lithium-ion batteries, used in electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and grid-scale energy storage. (Is anyone watching season two of The Old Man?)
Cobalt is another critical component of lithium-ion batteries used in aerospace and defense industries.
Nickel: Used in stainless steel, batteries, and other alloys.
Copper: Essential for electrical wiring, electronics, and construction.
Graphite: Used in batteries, lubricants, and steelmaking.
Platinum Group Metals: Used in catalytic converters, electronics, and jewelry.
3. Water Resources:
Freshwater: Due to population growth, urbanization, and climate change, access to clean freshwater is becoming increasingly critical. Water scarcity will lead to conflicts and instability.
Strategic Waterways: Control over major waterways like straits and canals is crucial for trade and naval power projection. Water transportation has always been incredibly efficient and will be even more necessary as global heating continues.
4. Agricultural Resources:
Arable Land: Land suitable for farming is essential for food security. Competition for arable land can arise due to population growth, urbanization, and land degradation.
Fertilizers: Essential for agricultural productivity, fertilizers are derived from minerals like phosphate, potash, and petrochemicals. They can be subject to supply disruptions, entail negative externalities, and reference The Great Game.
5. Other Resources:
Timber: Used in construction, paper production, and other industries. Sustainable forestry practices and competition for timber resources are important considerations.
Fish Stocks: Overfishing and competition for dwindling fish stocks are a growing concern, leading to disputes over fishing rights and marine conservation.
*These are partial lists.
Factors Driving Competition:
Economic Growth: Rapidly developing economies and expanding populations require vast resources to fuel industrialization and urbanization.
Technological Advancements: New technologies create demand for new materials and resources, intensifying competition.
Geopolitical Considerations: Control over strategic resources can provide economic and political leverage, not to mention obscene profits for those who control these commodities and the added-value products derived from them.
Environmental Concerns: Climate change and resource depletion are adding new dimensions to resource competition.
Implications:
Resource Nationalism: Countries may prioritize securing their own resource needs, leading to protectionist policies and trade disputes.
Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Reliance on a few suppliers for critical minerals can create vulnerabilities and geopolitical risks.
Conflict and Instability: Competition for scarce resources can exacerbate tensions and lead to conflicts and war. All wars are fought to acquire, control, and protect resources vital to The Great Game. Owners of capital benefit from these conflicts regardless of the damage they cause to life systems.
Innovation and Technological Development: The need to secure resources can drive innovation in resource extraction, processing, and recycling.
The competition for resources is a defining feature of the 21st century. Understanding the dynamics of this competition is crucial for navigating the complex geopolitical landscape and ensuring a sustainable future.
The Great Game today is being conducted by the United States through "The Rules-Based Order" (America makes the rules and gives the orders), and any nation that won't conform to the U.S. neoliberal/neoconservative agenda is brought to heal through violence and economic coercion.
'War is nothing but the continuation of policy with other means' — On War, Carl von Clausewitz
The U.S. is fighting and seeks to fight proxy wars across the globe to maintain its hegemony and control of vital resources needed to maintain The Great Game and its crypto-religious social and economic ideology (The Great Game's operating system.)
Regardless of which party controls the United States, foreign policy maintains the continuity of the "rules-based" (coded capital) Great Game.
The Great Game primarily serves big business interests and shareholders (owners of capital.)
Capitalists need people and workers only as long as they provide forms of utility. Anarco-capitalist accelerationists would be perfectly happy in a less populated world with artificially intelligent robots doing most of the work. This does not imply a "conspiracy story." It only emphasizes the utilitarian and libertarian facets of The Great Game's operating system.
When the Trump administration speaks of allowing the immigration of highly educated people with specific skills, they are talking about people who can assist in creating the components for AI and robots or engineers involved in energy, etc.
Technology, robotics, energy, etc., are multidisciplinary endeavors requiring diverse skill sets.
American citizens not involved in high-tech industries and professional services supporting the Players of The Great Game will be limited to less lucrative and less skilled service work.
And, of course, the military-industrial complex is secure.
If you want status and wealth, acquire these kinds of skills.
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Programming Languages: Proficiency in Python, Java, C++, and R is essential for developing AI algorithms and applications. (New languages are constantly being developed, so keep up.)
Machine Learning (ML): Understanding ML algorithms, deep learning, natural language processing (NLP), and computer vision is crucial for building intelligent systems.
Data Science: Data mining, data analysis, and statistical modeling skills are needed to work with the large datasets used to train AI models.
Mathematics and Statistics: A strong foundation in linear algebra, calculus, probability, and statistics is essential for understanding and developing AI algorithms.
2. Robotics
Mechanical Engineering: Designing and building the physical structure of robots, including mechanisms, actuators, and sensors.
Electrical Engineering: Developing the electrical systems that power and control robots, including circuits, motors, and power electronics.
Computer Science: Programming robots to perform tasks, integrating sensors and actuators, and developing control algorithms.
Control Systems: Understanding control theory and designing control systems to ensure robots operate accurately and reliably.
3. Common to Both AI and Robotics
Software Engineering: Strong software development skills are crucial for building and maintaining complex AI and robotic systems.
Embedded Systems: Knowledge of embedded systems is essential for developing the hardware and software that run on robots and other AI-powered devices.
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: The ability to analyze problems, identify solutions, and be creative are crucial for developing innovative AI and robotic systems.
Communication and Teamwork: AI and robotics projects often involve large teams with diverse expertise. Effective communication and collaboration skills are essential.
Additional Skills
Cloud Computing: Familiarity with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and GCP is becoming increasingly crucial for deploying and scaling AI and robotic systems.
Cybersecurity: Understanding cybersecurity principles is crucial for protecting AI and robotic systems from attacks and ensuring data privacy.
Ethics and Responsible AI: As AI and robotics become more prevalent, it's essential to consider their ethical implications and develop systems that are responsible and beneficial to society (read, The Great Game.)
Where to Develop These Skills
Formal Education: Universities offer degrees in computer science, engineering, and related fields that provide a strong foundation in AI and robotics.
Online Courses and Certifications: Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udacity offer online courses and certifications in specific AI and robotics skills.
Self-Learning: Numerous online resources, tutorials, and open-source projects are available for self-directed learning.
Practical Experience: Hands-on experience through internships, research projects, and personal projects is invaluable for developing practical skills.
By combining these technical skills with strong problem-solving abilities and a collaborative mindset, individuals can contribute to supporting The Great Game and Modern Technological Industrial civilization. If you work in these domains over the next few decades, you will make more money and acquire a modicum of status and security.
When civilization inevitably crashes, you will need primitive survival skills. Plan to establish residence in a less vulnerable region to global warming and habitat loss, with a stable, tolerant, and open culture. Good luck.
As the border closes and immigration restrictions exclude various classes of immigrants, U.S. workers will have to pick peaches, make shoes and socks, and perform low-skilled work in factories to maintain consumer goods supplies.
The U.S. will need to invest large amounts of money in reindustrialization to compensate for arbitrage value lost due to increasing restrictions on the global economy. The rapidly changing global economy requires the U.S. to control foreign governments that are sitting on the resources necessary to maintain its hegemony.
HOW TO BE A PLAYER
To varying degrees, Players who survive and win at The Great Game have these personality traits and operate in domains that offer access to high levels of income, status, and power.
Dark Tetrad
The Dark Tetrad expands upon the Dark Triad and is a group of four personality traits:
Narcissism: Characterized by grandiosity, a sense of entitlement, and a need for admiration.
Machiavellianism: Marked by manipulation, exploitation, and a cynical disregard for morality.
Psychopathy: Involves impulsivity, thrill-seeking, low empathy, and a lack of remorse.
Sadism: Deriving pleasure from inflicting pain, suffering, or humiliation on others.
Characteristics of the Dark Tetrad:
Individuals high in Dark Tetrad traits tend to:
Be manipulative and exploitative.
Lack empathy and remorse.
Engage in aggressive and antisocial behavior.
Seek power and control over others.
Show a disregard for social norms and rules.
Implications:
The Dark Tetrad is linked to various adverse outcomes, including:
Increased risk of criminal behavior, particularly crimes involving violence and cruelty.
Difficulties in interpersonal relationships: Due to their manipulative and exploitative tendencies.
Workplace problems: May engage in bullying, sabotage, and other counterproductive work behaviors.
Everyone may exhibit some of these traits to a degree, but those scoring high on the Dark Tetrad exhibit these tendencies more frequently and intensely.
Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)
Psychopathy
Superficial Charm: Often charismatic and engaging, able to manipulate and deceive others easily.
Grandiose Sense of Self: Inflated self-esteem, believing they are superior to others.
Pathological Lying: Compulsive lying, often without any apparent purpose.
Lack of Empathy and Remorse: Unable to understand or share the feelings of others and show no guilt or remorse for their actions.
Manipulative and Exploitative: Skilled at using others for their gain, often without regard for the consequences.
Impulsivity and Irresponsibility: Act without thinking, often engage in risky behavior, and fail to fulfill obligations or commitments.
Shallow Emotions: Limited range of emotions, may appear cold and unemotional.
Proneness to Boredom: Easily bored and constantly seeking stimulation, leading to reckless behavior.
Early Behavioral Problems: Children often exhibit conduct disorders in childhood, such as aggression, cruelty to animals, and rule-breaking.
Sociopathy
Disregard for Social Norms and Rules: Frequently violate social norms and laws, showing little respect for authority.
Deceitfulness and Manipulation: Lie, cheat, and manipulate others to get what they want.
Impulsivity and Aggressiveness: Act without thinking, often reacting angrily or violently.
Irritability and Hostility: Easily frustrated and prone to outbursts of anger.
Reckless Disregard for Safety: Engage in risky behavior without considering the consequences for themselves or others.
Irresponsibility: Fail to meet obligations, such as work or financial commitments.
Lack of Remorse: They may feel guilt or remorse, but it's often limited and doesn't prevent them from repeating harmful behaviors.
Difficulty Forming Attachments: Struggle to form genuine emotional connections with others.
Often Linked to Trauma or Adverse Childhood Experiences: While not always the case, sociopathy is usually associated with a history of abuse, neglect, or instability in childhood. (Gabor Mate's work.)
Key Differences:
Origins: Psychopathy is often considered to have a stronger biological basis, while sociopathy is believed to be more influenced by environmental factors.
Emotional Range: Psychopaths tend to have a more limited range of emotions and may be better at mimicking emotions to manipulate others. Sociopaths may experience a broader range of emotions, including anger and frustration.
Behavioral Control: Psychopaths are often more calculated and controlled in their behavior, while sociopaths may be more impulsive and erratic.
Conscience: Psychopaths are generally considered to have little to no conscience, while sociopaths may have a weak conscience but struggle to act on it consistently.
Important Considerations:
Overlap: There is a significant overlap between the traits of psychopathy and sociopathy, and it can be difficult to distinguish between the two.
Spectrum: Both psychopathy and sociopathy exist on a spectrum, with individuals exhibiting varying degrees of these traits.
Not All Harmful: Not all individuals with psychopathic or sociopathic traits engage in criminal or harmful behavior. Some may be able to function relatively well in society, although their relationships may be strained.
Professional Diagnosis: If you are concerned about your mental health or the mental health of someone you know, it's essential to seek a professional evaluation from a qualified mental health professional.
If you can honestly evaluate our current culture, you will see that these traits are rife within our leadership community.
To be a Player, pursue these professions.
Players must acquire and control wealth, resources, and power.
1. Business and Finance:
Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Leading and managing a company brings significant power and financial rewards.
Investment Banker: Facilitating large financial transactions and managing investments can generate substantial wealth.
Hedge Fund Manager: Investing large sums of money on behalf of clients can lead to significant profits and influence.
Entrepreneur: Founding and running a successful business offers potential for both wealth and autonomy.
2. Law:
Corporate Lawyer: Advising and representing large corporations often involves high stakes and substantial compensation.
Judge: Holding a position of authority in the legal system commands respect and influence.
Litigator: Successfully arguing cases in court can bring recognition and financial success.
3. Medicine:
Surgeon: Performing complex and life-saving procedures carries high status and earning potential.
Specialized Physician: Doctors in specialized fields like cardiology or neurology often command high fees and respect.
4. Technology:
Tech Entrepreneur: Founding and leading a successful tech company can bring immense wealth and influence.
Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Specialist: Developing cutting-edge AI technologies is a highly sought-after and lucrative skill.
Data Scientist: Analyzing and interpreting complex data is crucial for many industries and can command high salaries.
5. Politics and Government:
Politician: Elected officials hold significant power to shape policies and influence society.
High-Ranking Government Official: Leading government agencies or advising on policy can bring power and status.
6. Academia:
Tenured Professor at a Prestigious University: Achieving a top academic position brings intellectual recognition and influence.
7. Entertainment and Media:
A-list Actor/Actress: Achieving fame and recognition in the entertainment industry can lead to significant wealth and influence.
Film Director: Creating successful and critically acclaimed films can bring status and financial rewards.
TV Show Host: Donald J. Trump is a good example.
TV News Personality/Entertainer: The President Elect’s cabinet is rapidly being filled by FOX News personalities and alternative media influencers
Factors to Consider:
Hard Work and Dedication: Success in any field requires dedication, perseverance, and continuous learning. It is good to have inherited wealth.
Networking and Connections: Building solid relationships and networking within your chosen field can open doors to opportunities.
Luck and Timing: Being in the right place at the right time helps.
***Learn to mimic or adopt the belief systems of Neoliberalism, Neoconservatism, Neocolonialism, Zionism, and Libertarianism. Being involved in some sect of Christianity helps, even if you are only a “Cultural Christian.” Constantly talk about Western Civilization, Freedom, and Democracy. Anyone outside or denigrating the U.S. rules-based order is the enemy and the cause of all domestic problems in the United States. It must be easier to imagine the end of the world than the end of the U.S. Empire.
Learn to rationalize your ambition (will to power) with solid logic and stories that align with your passions and allow you to portray your efforts as making a meaningful contribution to the world, regardless of the level of power, status, or wealth it may bring. Wear a white hat, adopt a do-no-harm ethic, appeal to facts or pseudo-facts if they support the primary agenda, evidence or fake evidence, and science or pseudo-science when it supports the primary agenda, and invoke God's grace. Cover all your bases, making it easy for your propaganda, public relations, and marketing staff to tell stories that ordinary people will find compelling, appealing, and inspirational.
***Fear is persuasive.
WHAT KIND OF SPECIES EVOLVES TO CREATE THE GREAT GAME—AN OMNICIDAL WAY OF LIFE THAT CAUSES EXTINCTION AND EVEN, PROBABLY, ITS OWN?
A Brief History of What Makes Our Species Special
Homo sapiens is the last surviving species of hominid, a successful expansive invasive apex species with evolved advanced consciousness (theory of mind) and evolving, advanced technology, including language and complex group cooperation resulting in a high-tech, financialized, fossil-fueled global capitalist economy.
"r" and "K"
The terms "r" and "K" species describe two ends of a spectrum of reproductive strategies used by organisms. Environmental factors and evolutionary pressures influence these strategies. Here's a breakdown of the key differences:
r-selected species:
Reproductive Strategy: Focus on producing many offspring with little parental investment.
Life Span: Typically short.
Maturation Rate: Reach sexual maturity quickly.
Mortality Rate: High mortality rate among offspring.
Environment: Thrive in unstable or unpredictable environments where resources may be fleeting.
Examples: Dandelions, bacteria, insects, rodents.
K-selected species:
Reproductive Strategy: Produce fewer offspring but invest heavily in their care and survival.
Life Span: Typically longer.
Maturation Rate: Slow maturation rate.
Mortality Rate: Low mortality rate among offspring.
Environment: Thrive in stable or predictable environments with more consistent resources and higher competition.
Examples: Elephants, whales, humans, primates.
Important Notes:
Continuum: Most species fall along the r-K spectrum, not strictly at one extreme.
Environmental Influence: A species' position on the spectrum can shift in response to environmental changes.
Evolutionary Trade-offs: Each strategy has advantages and disadvantages, depending on the environmental/ecological context.
Understanding the differences between r and K selection helps ecologists predict population dynamics, explain species distribution patterns, and understand how organisms adapt to their environments.
What makes Homo sapiens unique?
While we share many traits with other mammals and especially our close relatives the great apes, several vital characteristics make Homo sapiens unique:
1. Complex Language and Communication:
Syntax and Grammar: Our complex language system includes syntax and grammar, which allow us to construct intricate sentences and convey abstract ideas.
Symbolic Thought: Our language is deeply intertwined with symbolic thought, enabling us to represent concepts, tell stories, and transmit knowledge across generations.
2. Advanced Cognitive Abilities:
Abstract Reasoning: We excel at abstract reasoning, problem-solving, and planning for the future, which allows us to develop complex technologies, social structures, and belief systems.
Theory of Mind: We have a well-developed "theory of mind," meaning we can understand that others have thoughts, beliefs, and intentions that may differ from ours. Theory of mind is crucial for social interaction and cooperation.
3. Culture and Technology:
Cumulative Culture: We have a unique ability to accumulate and transmit knowledge and skills across generations, developing complex cultures and technologies.
Technological Innovation: We constantly develop new tools and technologies, from simple handaxes to sophisticated computers and spacecraft.
4. Bipedalism and Physical Adaptations:
Upright Posture: Our fully upright posture frees our hands for tool use and carrying objects.
Endurance Running: We have evolved adaptations for endurance running, such as sweat glands and long legs, which may have been crucial for hunting and scavenging.
5. Social Complexity and Cooperation:
Large Social Groups: We live in large and complex social groups with intricate hierarchies and relationships.
Cooperation and Altruism: We exhibit high levels of cooperation and altruism, even towards non-kin, which may be linked to our complex social structures and moral reasoning.
6. Art and Symbolic Expression:
Creative Impulse: We have a strong drive to create art, music, and other forms of symbolic expression. This may be linked to our cognitive abilities and social needs.
Self-Awareness: Our capacity for self-awareness and introspection may contribute to our artistic endeavors and our search for meaning and purpose.
These unique characteristics have allowed Homo sapiens to become the dominant species on Earth, capable of radically transforming our environment and potentially destroying Earth's capacity to support life.
While other animals possess some of these traits to a lesser degree, the combination of all these factors in Homo sapiens is what truly sets us apart. We are hubristic God Apes practicing the seven deadly sins while justifying our destructive habits through stories, culture, and social structures.
The Evolution of Technology
As Homo sapiens ventured out of Africa and dispersed across the globe, they relied on a suite of increasingly sophisticated technologies to survive and thrive in diverse environments. We are masters of technology, which makes us think we are Great Nature's master.
1. Stone Tools:
The Oldowan Industry (2.6—1.7 million years ago): the earliest stone tool technology, flintknapping, striking a rock in a particular way, causes flakes/chips to come off to create sharp edges for cutting and chopping. Though primarily associated with Homo habilis, early Homo sapiens also utilized these tools.
The Acheulean Industry (1.7 million—100,000 years ago): We refined tool making, characterized by handaxes—teardrop-shaped tools with bifacial flaking. These versatile tools were used for various tasks, from butchering animals to digging.
During the Middle Stone Age (300,000—50,000 years ago), We developed more specialized tools, like points, scrapers, and blades, often using prepared-core techniques for greater control and efficiency. This era also saw the emergence of hafting, attaching stone points to handles for spears and other weapons.
2. Fire Control:
Early Control (1 million years ago—400,000 years ago): Evidence suggests early hominins, including Homo erectus, were using fire opportunistically. However, consistent control and creation of fire became more widespread with Homo sapiens.
Hearths and Cooking (400,000 years ago—present): Building hearths for controlled fires provided warmth, light, protection from predators, and a means to cook food. Cooking increases food's digestibility and nutritional value, contributing to brain development and overall health.
3. Symbolic Expression:
Ochre Use (285,000 years ago—present): Using ochre pigments for body painting and decoration suggests early forms of symbolic communication and social interaction.
Personal Adornment (100,000 years ago—present): Shell beads and other personal adornments indicate increasing social complexity and self-awareness.
Cave Art (40,000 years ago—present): Cave paintings in Europe and other regions demonstrate advanced cognitive abilities and a desire to express ideas and experiences.
4. Shelter and Clothing:
Simple Shelters (400,000 years ago): Early humans utilized natural shelters like caves and rock overhangs. They also began constructing simple shelters using branches and animal hides.
Clothing (170,000 years ago): Evidence suggests early humans used animal hides for clothing, which protected people from the elements. Bone needles indicate the development of more sophisticated sewing techniques.
Significance of these Technologies:
These early technologies played a crucial role in the survival and success of Homo sapiens. They allowed our ancestors to:
Adapt to diverse environments: From Eurasia's cold steppes to Africa's tropical rainforests, technology has enabled humans to survive in various climates and terrains.
Improve hunting and gathering: Tools and weapons increased the efficiency of hunting and gathering, providing more reliable access to food.
Develop social bonds: Symbolic expression and personal adornment facilitated communication and social cohesion.
Expand their cognitive abilities: The challenges of toolmaking, fire control, and artistic expression stimulated brain development and innovation.
These technological advancements laid the foundation for the complex societies and civilizations that would emerge later in human history. Our continued expansion and domination of Earth's resources are likely to lead to our extinction and may even end life itself.
WE CAN CHANGE, BUT IT WON'T BE EASY
Due to our nature, it is doubtful that we will develop a global culture to end the existential risks incurred by our modern techno-industrial way of managing things. However, we do have choices we could make that would give us a chance to evolve into the deep recesses of the future or mitigate the more horrible consequences of the inevitable rapid, uncontrolled simplification of our way of life.
***More on this in future posts and videos.
