#2115
Mentioned in 15 episodes
Against the Grain
A Deep History of the Earliest States
Book • 2017
In 'Against the Grain', James C. Scott argues that the early agrarian states were not the result of a voluntary transition from hunter-gatherer lifestyles, but rather were formed through coercion and violence.
He challenges the conventional narrative that agriculture led to settled communities, civilization, and improved living standards.
Instead, Scott posits that these early states were often hierarchical, plagued by malnutrition and disease, and reliant on slavery.
The book explores the domestication of fire, plants, and animals, and how these processes led to the control of populations and the emergence of states.
It also discusses the tensions between states and non-state peoples, highlighting the adaptability and resilience of nomadic and hunter-gatherer communities.
He challenges the conventional narrative that agriculture led to settled communities, civilization, and improved living standards.
Instead, Scott posits that these early states were often hierarchical, plagued by malnutrition and disease, and reliant on slavery.
The book explores the domestication of fire, plants, and animals, and how these processes led to the control of populations and the emergence of states.
It also discusses the tensions between states and non-state peoples, highlighting the adaptability and resilience of nomadic and hunter-gatherer communities.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 15 episodes
Mentioned by 
Dwarkesh Patel when discussing the impact of early agriculturalists and their diseases on the displacement of hunter-gatherers.
Dwarkesh Patel when discussing the impact of early agriculturalists and their diseases on the displacement of hunter-gatherers.
996 snips
Why Rome Actually Fell: Plagues, Slavery, & Ice Age — Kyle Harper
Mentioned by 
Spencer Greenberg in relation to his theory on the impact of agriculture and disease on human history.
Spencer Greenberg in relation to his theory on the impact of agriculture and disease on human history.
74 snips
Human evolution and AI evolution (with Dwarkesh Patel)
Mentioned by 
Rob Wiblin as a related author whose work challenges conventional narratives of societal development.
Rob Wiblin as a related author whose work challenges conventional narratives of societal development.
37 snips
#168 – Ian Morris on whether deep history says we're heading for an intelligence explosion
Mentioned by the 
Raw Egg Nationalist , who relies heavily on this book, as a retelling of the agricultural revolution.
Raw Egg Nationalist , who relies heavily on this book, as a retelling of the agricultural revolution.
16 snips
Eat Like Your Ancestors with Raw Egg Nationalist
Mentioned by Katlin Smith as a cookbook she found helpful in creating recipes for her grain-free baking mixes.
14 snips
Simple Mills: Katlin Smith
Mentioned by John Harris as a book he wrote.
THE LIVESTREAM - We’ve Been Lied To About History
Mentioned by Dwarkesh Patel , referencing the author's insights on the history of agriculture and people's choices to live as foragers.
Dwarkesh Patel , referencing the author's insights on the history of agriculture and people's choices to live as foragers.
Charles C. Mann - Americas Before Columbus & Scientific Wizardry
Nämd av Johannes när han diskuterar hur svårt det är att sprida jordbrukstekniken.
Moloch (Del 2): Genom mörkret
Mentioned by 
Scott Alexander as a prequel to James Scott's "Seeing Like a State", exploring the origins of civilization and the role of wheat.
Scott Alexander as a prequel to James Scott's "Seeing Like a State", exploring the origins of civilization and the role of wheat.
Book Review: Against the Grain
Mentioned by 
Daniele Bolelli when discussing a scholar who challenges the assumption that sedentary life is superior to nomadic life.
Daniele Bolelli when discussing a scholar who challenges the assumption that sedentary life is superior to nomadic life.
EPISODE 108: Tattooed Headhunters of the Steppes
Mentioned by Bill Courtney as a book where he discusses the tenets of his philosophy on leadership and service.
"Don't Be A Turkey Person" Michael Knowles & Oscar-Winner Bill Courtney
