Chapter
Ancient Surplus and the Rise of Power
03:22 - 09:24 (06:01)
The existence of surplus products in agriculture, coupled with the consolidation of power, results in powerful people associating themselves with gods to remain powerful and unchallenged. This leads to accumulation of surplus resulting in the exploitation of smaller communities to accumulate more resources.
Clips
From hunter-gatherers to the Neolithic Revolution, having a surplus of resources gave individuals power and allowed for advancements in human civilization.
03:22 - 05:18 (01:55)
Summary
From hunter-gatherers to the Neolithic Revolution, having a surplus of resources gave individuals power and allowed for advancements in human civilization.
ChapterAncient Surplus and the Rise of Power
EpisodeSelects: How Royalty Works
PodcastStuff You Should Know
The rise of religion and power in early human history can be attributed to agriculture, surplus, and consolidation of power by associating themselves with gods.
05:18 - 09:24 (04:06)
Summary
The rise of religion and power in early human history can be attributed to agriculture, surplus, and consolidation of power by associating themselves with gods. Jared Diamond argues that humans would be better off as hunter-gatherers in his book, The Worst Mistake in the History of the Human Race.