27/02/2024
One of the modern conceits is that earlier cultures were primitive and that much like children, they just made up stories to explain mysteries they didn't understand–and which modern science would come to reveal with cold precision in terms of matter, energy, and forces.
But those who lived before us lived very close to the line between life and death, and 'make believe stories' would have meant them dying out very quickly. Moreover, if you have the opportunity to meet elders from those older cultures that have managed to stay intact (and I have had the honor to meet a few), you see that they are very keen observers of the natural world, and also very astute in their understanding of human nature. They are anything but "childish."
True, we've grown very clever at manipulating the natural world to create all of the conveniences we enjoy. But is it sustainable and do we live wisely? What do you think?