AGMSPRITE Analysis
Tilly Behrmann
As the world progresses faster and faster in today's age of technological innovation, one must stop to appreciate the simple tools of the Paleolithic and Neolithic peoples. Despite the relatively basic mindset of these early humans (compared to nowadays), these ancestors provided the foundation and framework for the millenniums to come.
For instance, the carving and pottery existing in this period of time were some of the initial instances of Art (A) seen in the world. Although basic, the use of these tools required a complex and creative way of thinking (this way of thinking is still essential in today's world). As seen by the craftsmanship in some of the Jomon pieces, certain parts of the world even started to develop distinct styles in their artwork.
The tools of early humans also exhibited an undeniable adaption and impact on Geography (G). The various stone spears and weaponry seen in this period demonstrate a reliance upon the land, and a strong connection to hunting. As humans became more sedentary, this reliance only grew stronger, as farming became the major source of nourishment. In order to adapt to this changing world, humans created scythes and sickles to farm. As the climate changed, technological innovation grew to accommodate these changes. People used the geographical resources of water by creating harpoons, and as apparent by the Jomon, simple boats. This dependence upon the land is a continuity throughout history; today, humans acquire many resources from the earth that are essential to life. The level of this dependence HAS indeed changed, however. Early foraging societies, with basic stone tools make less of an impact upon the environment, as say, a steam engine.
The Social (S) aspects of the use of simple tools is also clear; because tools were not yet advanced enough to allow for extreme food surpluses to form, there were few social hierarchies. These tools allowed for little job specialization. Again, despite these factors, the tools utilized by Paleolithic and early Neolithic people laid the framework for advanced innovation. Thus, these basic tools would allow for more and more societal growth, in the form of cities, hierarchies, and personal relationships. These factors also played a role in this time period's Politics (P). Again, the socially limiting tools did not allow for significant hierarchies to form, and thus, politics were primarily based upon egalitarian representation.
Though seemingly low, the Intellect (I) of these early peoples must be given some amount of respect. Though innovation seemed low, and a written language was not yet developed, the intricate designs on the Jomon pottery, as well as the ability for people to use weaponry according to the food that they were hunting indicates some level of intelligence. It is apparent that, although not sophisticated by today's standards of literacy, ability to innovate, and technological prowess, the people in this time period possessed different forms of smarts: the ability to survive and act upon instinct.
Again, by today's standards, the Technology (T) of this era was desperately lacking; as made obvious by the crude tools of the Paleolithic Era, the inventions of early humanoids was simple at best. Also, innovation seemed to be progressing at a crawl. Unlike the world today, human density was not as large, and ideas could not travel quickly. Again, however, these basic and crude tools were the foundation for everything that the world possesses today.
Finally, the Economics (E) of this time period was, too, desperately slow. While some sorts of exchange in ideas occurred (remember: different places were developing the same tools around the same time), little economic exchange occurred. There were few surpluses, and societies relied upon gathering and hunting to acquire life's necessities. As apparent by the crude tools of the day, there was little need for an advanced economy because of the small-scale societies. It is obvious that this way of living was utterly different from the lifestyle of the modern era.
In conclusion, although leagues behind today's society in terms of almost every historical element, the advancements seen today could not have occurred without this initial era of basic tools. These tools allowed for more innovation, which created a chain reaction seen throughout history to create the world we live in.
For instance, the carving and pottery existing in this period of time were some of the initial instances of Art (A) seen in the world. Although basic, the use of these tools required a complex and creative way of thinking (this way of thinking is still essential in today's world). As seen by the craftsmanship in some of the Jomon pieces, certain parts of the world even started to develop distinct styles in their artwork.
The tools of early humans also exhibited an undeniable adaption and impact on Geography (G). The various stone spears and weaponry seen in this period demonstrate a reliance upon the land, and a strong connection to hunting. As humans became more sedentary, this reliance only grew stronger, as farming became the major source of nourishment. In order to adapt to this changing world, humans created scythes and sickles to farm. As the climate changed, technological innovation grew to accommodate these changes. People used the geographical resources of water by creating harpoons, and as apparent by the Jomon, simple boats. This dependence upon the land is a continuity throughout history; today, humans acquire many resources from the earth that are essential to life. The level of this dependence HAS indeed changed, however. Early foraging societies, with basic stone tools make less of an impact upon the environment, as say, a steam engine.
The Social (S) aspects of the use of simple tools is also clear; because tools were not yet advanced enough to allow for extreme food surpluses to form, there were few social hierarchies. These tools allowed for little job specialization. Again, despite these factors, the tools utilized by Paleolithic and early Neolithic people laid the framework for advanced innovation. Thus, these basic tools would allow for more and more societal growth, in the form of cities, hierarchies, and personal relationships. These factors also played a role in this time period's Politics (P). Again, the socially limiting tools did not allow for significant hierarchies to form, and thus, politics were primarily based upon egalitarian representation.
Though seemingly low, the Intellect (I) of these early peoples must be given some amount of respect. Though innovation seemed low, and a written language was not yet developed, the intricate designs on the Jomon pottery, as well as the ability for people to use weaponry according to the food that they were hunting indicates some level of intelligence. It is apparent that, although not sophisticated by today's standards of literacy, ability to innovate, and technological prowess, the people in this time period possessed different forms of smarts: the ability to survive and act upon instinct.
Again, by today's standards, the Technology (T) of this era was desperately lacking; as made obvious by the crude tools of the Paleolithic Era, the inventions of early humanoids was simple at best. Also, innovation seemed to be progressing at a crawl. Unlike the world today, human density was not as large, and ideas could not travel quickly. Again, however, these basic and crude tools were the foundation for everything that the world possesses today.
Finally, the Economics (E) of this time period was, too, desperately slow. While some sorts of exchange in ideas occurred (remember: different places were developing the same tools around the same time), little economic exchange occurred. There were few surpluses, and societies relied upon gathering and hunting to acquire life's necessities. As apparent by the crude tools of the day, there was little need for an advanced economy because of the small-scale societies. It is obvious that this way of living was utterly different from the lifestyle of the modern era.
In conclusion, although leagues behind today's society in terms of almost every historical element, the advancements seen today could not have occurred without this initial era of basic tools. These tools allowed for more innovation, which created a chain reaction seen throughout history to create the world we live in.
Without the first simple tools of the Paleolithic and Neolithic Eras, Marc Compton would probably not be a history teacher. Today, CPT can be seen using a variety of technologies founded by these original peoples; from the waterfront sports of South Haven, to the theory of Reaganomics, each of these developments could not have been achieved without the first steps made by the Paleolithic and Neolithic peoples.
Citation
"Google Images." Google Images. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Oct. 2012. <http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1>.