David Wengrow

David Wengrow, an esteemed archaeologist and anthropologist, delves into the complexities of ancient societies and the roots of slavery in conversation with the hosts. He challenges conventional beliefs about hierarchy, suggesting prior egalitarian cultures existed even before agriculture. Wengrow unveils fascinating findings from archaeological sites, like the comfort of pyramid builders, and sheds light on the intricate labor dynamics of ancient Egypt. His insights weave a rich tapestry, questioning what we think we know about history and social structures.

The Wrong Boys are joined by David Wengrow to talk about changing human history (starting with the past) and his new book, co-authored with the late David Graeber, on myths about the origins of human society, why both Hobbes and Rousseau are wrong, and why human history may be less set in stone, and more full of playful, hopeful possibilities, than we tend to assume.Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/srslywrong Links:Buy “The Dawn of Everything”: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/616885/the-dawn-of-everything-by-david-graeber-and-david-wengrow/9780771049828How to Change the Course of Human History: https://www.eurozine.com/change-course-human-history/Hiding in Plain Sight: Democracy’s indigenous origins in the Americas: https://www.laphamsquarterly.org/democracy/hiding-plain-sightGraeber and Wengrow on the Myth of the Stupid Savage (Video – 2019): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvUzdJSK4x8David Graeber & David Wengrow Teach-Out (Video – 2018): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNbWlD-lqYQGraeber/Wengrow: Paleolithic Politics & Why It Still Matters (Video – 2015): https://vimeo.com/145285143Slavery and Its Rejection Among Foragers on the Pacific Coast of North America: A Case of Schismogenesis? (Video – 2018): https://www.college-de-france.fr/site/philippe-descola/seminar-2018-03-22-10h00.htmUnfreezing the Ice Age: The Truth about Humanity’s Deep Past (2021): https://www.theguardian.com/news/2021/oct/19/unfreezing-the-ice-age-the-truth-about-humanitys-deep-pastForget ‘Liberté’ – 17th-Century Indigenous Americans Knew a Lot More About Freedom Than Their French Colonisers (2021): https://novaramedia.com/2021/10/19/forget-liberte-17th-century-indigenous-americans-knew-a-lot-more-about-freedom-than-their-french-colonisers/Rethinking cities from the ground up (Wengrow, 2019) – https://medium.com/whose-society-whose-cohesion/rethinking-cities-from-the-ground-up-73d92059b15fCorrection: The Wrong Boys mispronounce the word “Teotihuacan” (Saying ‘Teo-teh-hoo-i-can’)- It is actually pronounced “Teo-Tiwa-Khan” (/teɪˌoʊtiːwəˈkɑːn/) Opening Theme Song by E JuneClosing Theme Song by Spam Risk:https://spamrisk.bandcamp.com/album/s-t

David Wengrow, archaeologist and co-author of The Dawn of Everything, challenges conventional narratives of human history, discussing topics such as the origins of inequality, misconceptions about the agricultural revolution, contradictions within the family unit, interpreting violence in prehistoric societies, reimagining human nature and history, and the experience of co-writing the book with David Graeber.

We cover the first part of chapter 3 of David Graeber and David Wengrow’s book The Dawn of Everything: ”Unfreezing the Ice Age”, and we investigate the authors’ claims that human inequality has no origins based on archeology from upper paleolithic europe.    In doing so we also look at the difference between dominance hierarchy and democratic hierarchy, and what the necessary criteria are in order to establish a a dominance hierarchy.   We also discover that Graeber & Wengrow actually have no arguments for why human inequality supposedly has no origins! all music by *69 *PLEASE* SHARE AND LET PEOPLE (ESPECIALLY MATT CHRISTMAN) KNOW ABOUT THIS SERIES!! TRANSCRIPT BIBLIOGRAPHY YOUTUBE CHANNEL (live action! graphics!) RSS FEED PATREON tweeter: @worbsintowords https://archive.org/download/10.3-smurfs/10.3%20-%20SMURFS.mp3

In this engaging discussion, David Wengrow, an archaeologist and co-author of The Dawn of Everything, shares groundbreaking insights into the origins of human civilization. He challenges traditional narratives, presenting archaeological evidence of complex societies long before agriculture. Wengrow and Yanis Varoufakis explore non-hierarchical urban life, rethink economic myths surrounding barter, and discuss how indigenous critiques have shaped Enlightenment thought. Their conversation invites listeners to reconsider historical assumptions and envision a more nuanced future.

David Wengrow, an archaeologist at University College London and co-author of the bestseller 'The Dawn of Everything,' challenges the traditional narratives of human history. He discusses how our ancient ancestors were often playful and collaborative rather than brutish. The conversation delves into the complexities of early agricultural societies, critiquing the view that agriculture brought freedom. Wengrow emphasizes the need for a reimagined approach to societal structures, rooted in mutual aid and active participation, to address modern challenges.

Exploring the ignored prehistoric civilizations and societal structures, challenging conventional views on history with Professor David Wengrow. Discussing the fluidity of ancient societies and sophistication in civilization, questioning traditional narratives and societal categorizations. Examining three forms of human freedom and promoting critical thinking for imagining alternative societal structures for a better future.

Leah Rampy, from Earth & Soul, joins an eclectic group including Bill Drummond, David Graeber, and Chris Smaje to examine the intersection of populism and climate action. They discuss the stark contrasts between Green elites and grassroots movements. The conversation touches on nostalgic winter experiences, the absurdities of monarchy in the climate discourse, and the shift from 'cool' to 'good' in cultural production. Personal anecdotes enrich their reflections on legacy and the importance of humility in education through animal husbandry.

David Graeber, anthropologue, et David Wengrow, archéologue, déconstruisent les récits classiques de l'évolution humaine. Ils mettent en avant la diversité des mythes de la création, critiquent la linéarité de l'histoire, discutent de l'impact de l'environnement local sur les sociétés anciennes, examinent les jeux de balle des civilisations anciennes et explorent les principes de l'anarchisme pour trouver des solutions alternatives dans le monde moderne.

David Wengrow, an archaeologist renowned for his work on social evolution and co-author of *The Dawn of Everything*, dives deep into the complexities of human history. He challenges the idea that societal advancements emerged solely from agriculture, uncovering diverse ancient cultures with egalitarian principles. The discussion highlights Indigenous perspectives, critiques of social hierarchies, and creative alternatives to capitalism in the face of ecological challenges. Wengrow emphasizes that human history is rich with possibilities, urging a rethinking of our collective past and future.