Book SummaryCivilized to Death, by Christopher Ryan

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Civilized to Death

The differences between early hunter-gatherer societies and modern civilization are often concealed by misconceptions about life in ancient times.

This part will delve into the distinctions between communities of foragers and modern civilization, highlighting the rectification of misconceptions regarding existence in the pre-agricultural era. The author challenges the widespread belief that existence in prehistoric periods was inherently brutal and inferior.

Our understanding of the true nature of humanity is skewed by the incorrect belief that existence in ancient times was characterized by severity, brutality, and shortness.

Ryan argues that the prevailing view of early human life as brutal, savage, and short is mistaken and not reflective of reality. This misconception, largely rooted in the writings of Thomas Hobbes, perpetuates a skewed understanding of human nature as inherently selfish and violent, necessitating the structure and control of civilization to prevent chaos. This segment of the narrative offers proof that supports a nuanced understanding of life among communities of foragers.

Anthropological and archaeological findings suggest that foraging societies generally enjoyed equilibrium and contentment, with scarcity arising sporadically rather than consistently.

The writer emphasizes the discrepancy between the genuine existence of foragers, as revealed through anthropological and archaeological studies, and the often depicted relentless struggle for survival, thereby questioning the viewpoint commonly ascribed to Hobbes. Members of these communities experienced deep contentment, which was nurtured through solid bonds within their community and a symbiotic, advantageous connection with their surroundings. He substantiates his assertion by providing instances where the The !Kung San, known for their foraging lifestyle in the Kalahari Desert, sustained their health through a varied diet that included over eighty plant varieties, ensuring they received ample nutrition (2,140 calories and ninety-three grams of protein per day on average) and a balanced dietary composition. The author highlights that the diverse dietary habits greatly diminished the risk of severe food shortages, unlike agricultural societies which rely on a limited assortment of crops prone to failure. Christopher Ryan bolsters his case by discussing research on the Hadza community in Tanzania, showing that the youth are well-fed, with appropriate body mass and adequate protein intake, highlighting the robust nutrition found in these foraging groups.

Christopher Ryan challenges the idea that individuals in hunter-gatherer societies live considerably shorter lives by referencing research conducted by anthropologists Michael Gurven and Hillard Kaplan. The often-cited average lifespan of 30-40 years creates a distorted picture, as the data is heavily influenced by the large number of deaths in early childhood. Research has shown that foragers generally live to be approximately seventy years old, a lifespan that mirrors that of contemporary humans who have access to advanced medical care. Additionally, by examining similarities in anatomy with our primate relatives, researchers have deduced that the potential human lifespan might extend to ninety-one years, which supports the idea that the average duration of life for our species has remained relatively stable.

Practical Tips

• Implement a 'scarcity week' once a month where you limit your consumption to the essentials, similar to how foraging societies might experience periodic scarcity. This can help you appreciate what you have and understand the value of resources. During this week, use only items you already have at home, plan meals with existing food supplies, and refrain from purchasing non-essential goods or services.
• Create a seasonal eating plan that focuses on the diversity of foods available during different times of the year. This mimics the natural variety in a forager's diet, as certain foods are only available in specific seasons. For instance, you could eat strawberries and asparagus in spring, watermelon and tomatoes in summer, apples and squash in fall, and root vegetables and citrus fruits in winter. This not only diversifies your diet but also aligns with the natural growing cycles of your region.
• Create a community-focused lifestyle by regularly engaging in social activities that promote strong bonds and support networks, akin to those in hunter-gatherer societies. This could involve joining local clubs, organizing regular family gatherings, or participating in group volunteer projects. For example, you might start a weekly game night with neighbors or join a community garden project.
• You can explore historical life expectancy data to create a personal family tree that includes estimated lifespans. By researching your own ancestry, you may find patterns or anomalies in lifespans that could provide insight into the health and mortality rates of your lineage. For example, if you discover that past generations had many individuals who lived beyond the average lifespan, it might suggest a genetic predisposition to longevity despite historical averages.
• Volunteer for citizen science projects that focus on aging and health data collection. By participating, you contribute to the broader understanding of human lifespan while also gaining insights into your own health practices. Look for projects that require no special skills, like completing surveys or tracking health metrics through an app.

The examination of hunter-gatherer societies reveals a common culture of sharing and egalitarianism, which contests the idea that selfishness and aggression are inherent human traits.

Christopher Ryan argues that the commonly held belief that humans are inherently selfish and combative is not substantiated, especially when considering the research on hunter-gatherer societies. On the contrary, anthropologists...

Civilized to Death Summary The transition from hunter-gatherer communities to agricultural-based societies has had a negative impact on human well-being and mental health.

This part examines the ways in which the emergence of agriculture and the development of complex societies have negatively impacted our happiness and psychological well-being. Christopher Ryan argues that the rapid changes resulting from this shift, including alterations in what we eat and novel social structures, have introduced a variety of stressors that continue to affect human beings. Our physiological and psychological selves are in conflict with a rapidly transformed environment that has outpaced our evolutionary capacity to adapt.

The transition to agricultural practices and the creation of structured communities introduced new psychological and physical pressures, characterized by a decline in nutritional quality, a rise in the occurrence of diseases, and diminished individual liberty and social bonds.

The book explores the detrimental impacts on human health and happiness that emerged with the shift from a nomadic lifestyle of hunting and gathering to one of settled agriculture. Ryan argues that instead of progressing towards a condition of increased comfort, this transition has led to a variety of new difficulties, such as changes in what we eat and an increase...

Civilized to Death Summary The negative impact of contemporary lifestyles, which intensifies the concentration of wealth among a small number, on human behavior and nature.

This part of the book scrutinizes modern lifestyles, particularly the uneven allocation of wealth and the pursuit of material possessions, and how these factors lead to the deterioration of human morals and behavior. Ryan posits that the pursuit of comfort and financial stability, which are considered fundamental in contemporary society, often detracts from our authentic happiness. The author posits that an unyielding chase for increased wealth may lead to reduced compassion, increased isolation, and a profound estrangement from the natural world, potentially obstructing individuals' ability to achieve genuine contentment.

As the gap in wealth widens, those with affluence tend to exhibit a decrease in empathy and compassion, becoming increasingly indifferent and disinterested in the struggles of the less fortunate.

Ryan suggests that immense wealth gaps erode our innate tendencies for empathy and compassion, resulting in a detrimental loop that adversely affects people at all economic levels, including the wealthiest and the poorest. The accumulation of wealth and power often leads to a diminished capacity to relate to the struggles of those with less, which can cause a...

Civilized to Death Summary Learning from the insights of our ancient forebears can improve our present well-being and wealth.

The final section of the book emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with our deepest ancestral roots and applying wisdom from bygone eras to address the challenges and shortcomings of contemporary society. Ryan suggests that a thorough examination of the evolutionary pressures that have shaped us can provide essential insights for establishing modern societies that better align with our psychological and social health. He proposes a comprehensive reevaluation of the widely held narratives of progress and advocates for the incorporation of elements derived from the ways of life of hunter-gatherers to create a truly sustainable path forward for humanity.

Investigating our ancestral past and the societal forces that shape our inherent traits provides insight that can help forge modern communities more in tune with our psychological and social health.

Ryan emphasizes the importance of recognizing our deep-rooted history and the essential human needs that have been shaped throughout millennia of living as hunter-gatherers. He argues that with this knowledge, we can mold modern communities in a way that aligns more closely with our inherent tendencies, which in turn would...