In a previous post I talked about how human beings are perfectly adapted to live and thrive in small groups of around 100 people. And I talked about the dangers of groups growing to enormous numbers of people.
But, we have witnessed throughout recorded history the growth and eventual demise of many great (and large) civilizations.
This appears to be a cycle that has been repeating since the beginning of time. It seems to be a natural thing and it probably is a good thing. Let me explain.
When you have a small group of people experiencing life together a lot of their energy is expended on simply existing. Cultivating, hunting and growing food. Keeping protected from the elements and keeping the dangerous aspects of nature at bay. It takes a lot just to keep alive.
But as a group grows in numbers an efficiency comes into play. Less energy per person is needed just to insure existence continues. This means there is extra time and extra energy.
So, what happens with that extra energy?
It goes into a variety of other things that are very beneficial in a variety of ways.
People expand. They explore the world. They examine the world. They create new things in a countless number of ways including the arts, music, theatre, story telling, sciences, technology, philosophy. I couldn’t even begin to list the number of ways that people benefit the world when they have “spare” time.
So this is what happens.
A small group finds some successful techniques and processes to grow into a larger group. Over time this group continues to grow even larger. And with this growth there is a growth of free time. (By free time I mean time that isn’t needed simply to continue the tasks necessary for existence).
So the people expand the human experience in a variety of beautiful ways.
But eventually the group gets too large and dark forces within it take too much control and destroy it. Metaphorically burning it down. And we start all over again. With each cycle bringing new insights and new things to the human experience.
It looks to me like this is the normal way of existence for humanity – rise and fall.
It’s been going on for a very long time and it will continue on. I will give you a wikipedia list of some of these great civilizations and what they contributed. But first let me point out that this civilization we are currently in has had it’s profound effect on humanity. Let’s call it the American civilization. And it’s contribution has been primarily in the realm of technology which includes airplanes, automobiles, space travel, satellites, internet, computers, cellphones, medical technology and much more.
Here is an overview from wiki about many of the major civilizations that have risen and fallen:
Key Ancient Civilizations
Mesopotamia (Sumerian, Babylonian, Assyrian): Known for the first writing system (cuneiform), early city-states, and Hammurabi’s Code.
Ancient Egypt: Renowned for monumental architecture (pyramids), the Nile, and hieroglyphics.
Indus Valley Civilization: Advanced urban planning and sanitation (Harappa, Mohenjo-daro).
Ancient China (Shang, Zhou, Qin, Han): Innovations in writing, paper, and early bureaucracy.
Ancient Greece: Originators of democracy, Western philosophy, and classical art.
Roman Empire: Known for engineering, law, and extensive territorial control.
Persian Empire: Large-scale administrative systems and infrastructure.
Influential Ancient Civilizations in the Americas & Africa
Maya Civilization: Sophisticated astronomy, mathematics, and calendar systems.
Inca Civilization: Massive road networks and terraced agriculture in the Andes.
Olmec Civilization: “Mother culture” of Mesoamerica, known for colossal head sculptures.
Kingdom of Aksum: Major African trading power, one of the first to adopt Christianity.