Humans and War: Debunking the Myth of the Peaceful Savage
Archaeological Evidence Shatters the Illusion
Throughout history, war has been a constant companion to humanity. Contrary to the myth of the peaceful, noble savage, archaeological evidence reveals a pervasive and deadly reality of warfare in the past. From the bas-reliefs of Assyrian warriors to the stelae depicting Egyptian pharaohs vanquishing their enemies, ancient artifacts paint a stark picture of conflict.
Even among “pacific” societies like Native Americans, Aborigines, Eskimos, and Bushmen, archaeological, anthropological, and ecological data suggests that warfare was prevalent and lethal. Steven A. LeBlanc, a Harvard archaeologist, argues that humans and war have always gone hand in hand.
Ecological Imbalance: A Primary Driver of Conflict
LeBlanc identifies ecological imbalance as a primary cause of war. When population outstrips food supply or land becomes degraded, humans compete for finite resources, leading to conflict flash points. The Middle East and the Balkans, for instance, have a long history of ecological stress and degradation, contributing to their ongoing conflicts.
Warfare in Our Primate Ancestry
The impulse to conduct warfare extends far back into our evolutionary history. Our closest ape relatives, such as chimpanzees, engage in fierce acts of warfare, mirroring human conflicts. As humans evolved, violence became the norm, a stark contrast to the romanticized notion of the noble savage popularized by Rousseau and his followers.
Skeletal Remains Tell a Grim Tale
Skeletal remains from around the world provide irrefutable evidence of horrific violence. Burial sites of ancient Aborigines, hunter-gatherers without permanent settlements, reveal signs of violent deaths, massacres, and specialized weapons designed for warfare. This stark evidence challenges the myth of the peaceful primitive.
Agriculture: A Catalyst for Increased Warfare
The transition from foraging to farming around 10,000 B.C. brought significant environmental stresses. Population growth led to increased exploitation of natural resources, making warfare more common and deadly than in the era of foraging.
American Manners: Rooted in Egalitarianism
Judith Martin, also known as Miss Manners, explores the unique etiquette of American society in her book “Star-Spangled Manners.” She attributes American manners to a fundamental belief in equality that originated with the nation’s founders. This egalitarian spirit manifests in a refreshingly blunt and down-to-earth demeanor.
American Optimism and Work Ethic
Martin identifies optimism and a strong work ethic as defining traits of the American character. Americans believe in the possibility of success, even in the face of setbacks. They value hard work and view leisure as something to be earned rather than a right.
The Uneasy American Relationship with Servants
Martin also examines the uneasy American relationship with servants. Americans are torn between a desire for convenience and a discomfort with the idea of having someone serve them. This tension reflects a broader American discomfort with social hierarchy.
