The Dissenter

#1101 Laura Betzig - The Badge of Lost Innocence: A History of the West

May 23, 2025
Dr. Laura Betzig, a renowned anthropologist, discusses her book, diving deep into human history and its ties to natural evolution. She explores intriguing topics like the role of eunuchs in the Roman Empire, their unique positions of power, and the complex dynamics of slavery. The conversation shifts to medieval Europe, highlighting societal changes due to the rise of royal bastards and the significance of women’s spaces. Betzig also examines the myths and realities of the American West, blending personal anecdotes with historical analysis.
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INSIGHT

Human Group Living is Unusual

  • Most animal species are solitary, with only a small percentage living in groups.
  • Humans live in unusually large groups due to clumping around rich resources despite costs like parasite load and predation risk.
INSIGHT

Inequality Mirrors Animal Societies

  • Human history shows political and reproductive inequality similar to other animals.
  • Inequality rises with despotism, harems, and castrated slaves in sedentary societies.
INSIGHT

Mobility Sustains Human Equality

  • Hunter-gatherer societies exhibit high mobility and avoid domination by migrating away from inequality.
  • Migration enabled humans to populate the earth and remain mostly egalitarian for long periods.
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