Chapter 2 Documents

Chapter 2's documents have been very interesting. The thing that caught my attention was the documents on the laws. Transfering from chapter 1 to chapter 2 documents is such a change. The laws caught my eye because they were so harsh and different from the previous eras we have read about. The laws are intense and most end in the punishment of death. Looking at how paleolithic peoples were compared to ancient Mesopotamia is interesting and very different. Such as the laws about gender, men are beginning to seem more superior to women and the women are seemed as more at fault and the ones who receive more punishments for specific actions.

Egalitarianism Reflection

Nisa’s story is very captivating. Her story helped show me that Paleolithic peoples were more egalitarian than laters people in wealth because when Nisa explained when she was living "in the bush," she explained how there was always enough people to share with one another, to respect each other, and did not fight. Everyone was willing to share their food and other items with others and were willing to help one another as a community. Currently in the present she explains that no one shares anymore and how people have become selfish.They follow the “what’s mine is mine” outlook, even Nisa herself following this outlook on sharing. In the beginning of her story, Nisa explains how the people now call her a “poor person” because she doesn’t own any animals and she carries her things herself. Laters people are depending on the amount of animals domesticated to show wealth, and are becoming more dependent on these animals to help with migration and traveling. I was actually really interested in reading the documents in the book. It was interesting to read the life stories and helped me connect more to the subject since it was from a primary source. 

Chapter 1: The Ways We Were...

I think it is so surprising how early human beings adapted and evolved in the World. The way they made new technology is so shocking. How they used stones and rocks to make blades and axes. If I were to look at a stone or rock on the floor I would never think, “Hmm… maybe this rock can be turned into a weapon?” I mean to me, it is just a rock. But the fact that arrows and bows, spears, axes and other hunting equipment can date back to thousands of years ago when they were first made is surprising.

When the book talked about the first human societies and I was intrigued how the small societies would treat one another. There was no oppression and no absolute power. Everyone has the same set of skills and was treated equally. Domestic abuse was never exhibited or acted upon. Our ancestors began with little violence and no cruelty. It got me thinking how did these terrible things get introduced into our World.

After reading these sections I realized how many things were influenced or invented from our past ancestors. The past is really part of our present and it also helps for our future as well.