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It has been a few years since I have read his book, but in general I agree with it.

His theory of “multi-level selection” is extremely useful in both biology and human history. He applies the theory mainly to ancient warfare, but I think it also applies to modern progress.

I tried to integrate that theory into my ideas on How Progress Works:

https://frompovertytoprogress.substack.com/p/understanding-how-humans-create-progress

I also have a summary and book review on my online library of book summaries:

https://techratchet.com/2020/04/07/book-summary-ultrasociety-how-10000-years-of-war-made-humans-the-greatest-cooperators-on-earth-by-peter-turchin/

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I just found a free PDF of the article and skimmed over it. It is largely correct, but I find it funny that researchers are constantly "discovering" Fishing societies as if we did not know about them previously/

The problem is the category of "Foraging society" which combines "Hunter-Gatherer societies" and "Fishing societies." You cannot do that as they are very different types of societies for exactly the reason outlined in the article.

I just wish that researchers stop using the term "Foraging societies" unless one clearly states that it is a combination of two very different types of societies.

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Dec 22, 2023·edited Dec 22, 2023Author

Yes, some very reputable sources believe that there are entire villages under the water, particularly in Southeast Asia.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Eden-East-Drowned-Continent-Southeast/dp/0297818163

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Then I think that you will enjoy this Substack column.

Thanks for the link. I will read it.

I have an upcoming post on Fishing societies that you might enjoy. I argue in part that they invented the first villages, which I think is getting at the same concept as the article that you linked to.

I have also read about sedentary Hunter-Gatherer societies in areas with plentiful food. Acorns in what is now California and Japan are two examples.

More evidence that it all comes down to food!

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