The Definition and Importance of Civilizations

Civilizations, often defined by the victors who impose their traits, can be misleading constructs. Take the example of the wheel: if a conqueror has it and a vanquished does not, the victor might assert they have 'civilization' and the others lack it. This perspective extends to contemporary topics like gay rights and transgender rights, suggesting that their presence defines civilized societies.

However, this narrow view overlooks the complexity and diversity of human societies. Civilizations, in the traditional sense, are often Eurocentric constructs used to categorize and sometimes demean 'other' cultures. This approach fails to capture the true essence of human history, which includes peace and harmony in non-literate societies.

The Evolution of Civilization: Beyond Greek Influence

The concept of 'civilization' has roots in Greek philosophy, where the term 'barbarian' was used to describe non-Greek speakers. Scholars today argue that cities are the sole backdrop for civilization, but this view faces significant challenges. What was once considered a city with 20,000 inhabitants is now a small town in many countries. This redefining of urban centers highlights the dynamic nature of societal constructs.

Civilization: Beyond Writing and Urban Centers

Defining civilization based solely on writing or urbanization oversimplifies the human experience. For instance, a society without writing but enjoying peace and harmony cannot automatically be deemed uncivilized. Similarly, a society with extensive writing but ongoing conflicts might still be considered civilized.

The Nature of Civilization: Optimism and Pessimism

The concept of civilization can be viewed through an optimistic or pessimistic lens. An optimist might see ancient cultures that lived harmoniously with nature as more civilized than those who were purely exploitative. A pessimist, however, might argue that no human society can truly be civilized, as evidenced by online social media vitriol.

A Theorist’s Perspective: Domesticating Ourselves

My theory in my forthcoming book, Pitiless Bronze: A Postpatriarchal Examination of Prepatriarchal Cultures, posits that humans congregated in more permanent settlements to enhance social bonding and increase opportunities for sex, which was seen as transformative and godlike. This view challenges the myth of human natural violence.

The work by Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods in Survival of the Friendliest further supports this idea by showing that humans have essentially domesticated themselves, making us more civil than combative by nature.

A Personal Perspective: Unity and Sex

A memorable guest speaker at a college I taught at argued that humans would naturally fear a new group moving in but would also check if there were any attractive people. This insight into human nature underscores the complex motivations behind human interactions.

The history of civilizations is a rich tapestry reflecting various human experiences. By delving deeper into these narratives, we can better understand and appreciate the diverse ways in which humans have organized and interacted with each other.