Are Human Beings Fundamentally Happier in Pre-Industrial Hunter-Gatherer Societies?
Rather than a simple black and white answer, the question of whether humans are fundamentally happier in pre-industrial hunter-gatherer societies is rich with nuances and variables. It is important to examine a wide range of factors, from health and longevity to leisure time and community dynamics.
The Complexity of Happiness
The truth is that humans experience a spectrum of emotions and circumstances that vary widely across different societies and eras. While modern Western people generally live longer and have access to more high-calorie diets, these benefits are often accompanied by new challenges. For instance, the availability of sweets, alcohol, and tobacco can lead to increased happiness in the short term but also contribute to long-term health issues.
Lifestyle and Health
Pre-industrial hunter-gatherer societies typically enjoyed a more stable food supply, with little to no starvation. While modern agricultural societies like horticulturalists and pastoralists often endure periods of hunger, hunter-gatherers generally faced it less frequently. However, their lifestyle was not without its own challenges. For instance, according to Richard Lee, hunter-gatherers often worked a 20-hour work week, which was significantly less than the typical work week in industrialized societies. Yet, this doesn't necessarily equate to greater happiness.
Trade-offs and Cultural Aspects
While hunter-gatherers enjoyed a more stable food supply, they faced higher risks of violence and death. According to Lawrence Keeley's research, hunter-gatherers had significantly higher murder rates and more frequent raids. This suggests that safer, more stable living in modern societies may not come at the cost of happiness but rather at the price of a different kind of security.
Furthermore, literacy and the ability to record history are key differences. Pre-industrial hunter-gatherers did not have the luxury of literacy, but they developed rich cultural practices such as storytelling, acting, and music. While these cultural expressions did not rely on the technology and specialists we have today, they provided their own form of entertainment and social cohesion.
Evolution and Human Fit
The happiness of pre-industrial hunter-gatherers is also often discussed in terms of evolutionary fitness. We adapted to the hunter-gatherer lifestyle, and to a certain extent, modern society may lack some aspects of that lifestyle that enhance well-being. For example, hunter-gatherers worked much less and considered it a kind of subsistence, not work as we would define it. They had healthier lives, with more exercise and better nutrition. Additionally, the lower population density meant fewer communicable diseases and no class system, where every individual was valued.
Quality Over Quantity of Life
It is important to consider the quality of life rather than just the length of it. The phrase "who wants to be old and unhealthy?" highlights this point. Modern humans can appreciate the quality of life more than the length of it. Studies have shown that people in pre-industrial societies may experience less chronic illness, and the rhythms of their lives, which were more in tune with nature, could contribute to a higher sense of well-being.
Conclusion
The question of whether humans are fundamentally happier in pre-industrial hunter-gatherer societies is a complex one. While these societies had different challenges, such as higher risks of violence, they also enjoyed significant benefits, including a healthier lifestyle and less work. Ultimately, the answer may depend on individual values, cultural practices, and personal circumstances. As societies evolve, the pursuit of a happier life may lie not in reverting to the past but in understanding and integrating the lessons of pre-industrial societies into our contemporary lifestyles.