In a remarkably short period of time, cities like Tokyo have transformed our planet
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When we are constantly bombarded with negative news, it is natural to feel disheartened about the future of human society. However, there are two compelling reasons to believe that positive change is within our reach. Firstly, we have witnessed significant social transformations in recent history. More people now reside in urban areas than ever before, with women gaining the right to vote, access abortions, and even hold positions of power in governments. Society is becoming less tolerant of bigotry, and measures indicate a decline in poverty and malnutrition. Increased support for tackling climate change is also evident, and the advent of social media has revolutionized communication. Regardless of personal opinions about these changes, they have undeniably occurred at a rapid pace.
Secondly, the fields of anthropology and archaeology provide us with evidence that human societies can adopt various forms. This revelation, as stated by David Wengrow at University College London, is both disorienting and inspiring. Wengrow suggests that the diversity of ancient societies offers possibilities for reshaping our modern world. Stefani Crabtree, an expert from Utah State University, agrees and believes that by examining the past we can experiment with sustainable practices and innovative governance structures in order to improve our lives. So, the question arises: what changes can we make?
“One thing that is relatively recent is the systemic racism and oppression embedded within our societies,” remarks…
