In the ongoing debate about human nature, a recent article from MR Online by Dave Darby challenges the prevailing notion that humans are inherently selfish and competitive. Darby argues that evidence from ancient settlements indicates that collaborative and egalitarian societies have been the norm for much of human history, rather than the exception [359e1eac]. He references the work of David Graeber and David Wengrow in their book 'The Dawn of Everything', which reveals that at least 4,000 years passed after the Agricultural Revolution before hierarchical urban developments began to emerge. This timeline suggests that the current dominance of selfishness in modern societies is not an innate human trait but rather a result of systemic rewards for such behavior.
Archaeological findings from ancient sites like Çatalhöyük, which dates back 9,500 years, provide compelling evidence of societies that operated without gender or wealth inequality. These findings challenge the narrative that competition and selfishness are fundamental aspects of human nature. Instead, they highlight the potential for cooperative societies, suggesting that our ancestors thrived in environments characterized by mutual support and collaboration [359e1eac].
Darby emphasizes that understanding our historical precedents can inform contemporary social structures and economic systems. By recognizing that commoning—sharing resources and responsibilities—has been a natural human behavior, societies today may find pathways to foster cooperation over competition. This perspective not only reshapes our understanding of human history but also offers a hopeful vision for future societal organization, one that prioritizes collaboration and egalitarianism over individualism and hierarchy.
The insights presented in this article contribute to a broader discussion on human nature and the potential for cooperative societies. By examining the archaeological evidence and historical context, Darby encourages a reevaluation of the assumptions surrounding selfishness and competition, advocating for a return to the communal practices that have historically defined human interactions [359e1eac].