Ways of the World; Ch 1 and 2

     In the prologue of Ways of the World by Robert Strayer the readers are given a rundown of how the earth was formed and the beginnings of human history. I found it helpful and interesting that the authors put the whole history of the universe into the timeline of one calendar year, although it is fairly mind boggling. To think that the earths existence was only the last second of the last day of the year is hard to comprehend. I also feel that way about the time length of humans on this planet. To think that homo sapiens have not survived that long compared to other humanoids is crazy. I believe it was Strayer that said in the book that humans are egocentric and because of this it is hard to comprehend things outside of ourselves. I have always felt like a very understanding and open minded person but I can understand and feel what he means. Another point I liked in the Prologue was the reasoning for studying history. I think it is so important for world history to be taught to people of all ages. In class the word, “tolerance” was brought up and I had had this same conversation before. Why are we teaching “tolerance” why are we suggesting that people only tolerate each other when really understanding and respect is what we need.
In chapter one of Ways of the World, Strayer introduces the first people. How could history classes and textbooks leave this huge period of time out of history for so long! While I understand it is easier to study time periods were writings were left and where there is real hard evidence of a time long ago is available, I think it is foolish and wrong to leave out the Paleolithic time period. I found the cave paintings and Venus statues very compelling. I had heard of the Venus statues before but they had been referred to as reproduction statues, which I realize no one can no for certain. Strayer paints out the picture of the first humans and where they went and how they conquered the globe. We learn that there were people all over the world. I found it intriguing to think about what the earth must have looked like from that time period. The land was different and connected and the earth was plentiful. I thought the Paleolithic people were smart in their nomadic ways, moving to where they knew there would be food or crops. I got the sense that these peoples ways seemed to be disregarded by the world because they were nomadic but to me it shows they had to be planners, they had to be resilient, and that they had to be strong. The uses of different tools in different areas was also interesting to read about.
Chapter two introduces civilizations. Where much of the history we know about began. Where agriculture, community, and government began to shape the world. I find it really interesting to think about the idea of civilizations just beginning. Strayer says that civilizations were a, “global phenomenon” (p.61) which in itself in crazy to think about. During a time when the world was changing and people were all over, there were happenings that took place everywhere. I realize that it wasn’t all at once but no one had phones, no one could call and tell there friends about this new civilization they are a part of so how strange is it that this all slowly took place over the entire planet. The beginning of agriculture had a part in the forming of civilizations as did the land and rivers. Strayer talks about Egypt and the Nile. With civilizations also came class and hierarchies. Unlike in the Paleolithic period when women were often viewed as equal to men, women became lower on the totem pole, and men took the stage. Civilization was also the beginning of slavery and kings. I found it interesting to think about the world, “civilization” as Strayer encourages the reader to do. What is a civilization. How is it defined, what makes a human civilized or savage. I think it is a question people can still ask themselves today.