In 2021, during the Covid pandemic, evolutionary biologists Heather Heying and Bret Weinstein published 'A Hunter-Gatherer’s Guide to the 21st Century'. They argue that despite the chaos around us, we are living in the best time in human history. However, the world they describe is largely West-focused, where wealth and comfort are abundant, yet people feel lonely and life seems unhinged. The authors question modern practices and posit that the accelerating rate of change has outpaced our capacity to adapt. Our brains and bodies have not kept up; humans evolved to live in clans, but today many of us don't even know our neighbors' names.
The Modern Hunter-Gatherer
As a lifelong vagabond, I see that we are still hunting and gathering, only the targets have changed. Prehistoric ancestors used sticks and stones to hunt animals and gather fruit. Today, the weapon is a phone, the hunting ground is an app, danger comes from broken internet connectivity, and the trophy is something bought on Amazon at a discount.
We hunt to jump queues or overtake on highways. I have identified categories of present-day hunter-gatherers. At the top are politicians, who hunt for a political platform and gather votes. They are the alpha versions, recognized by the number of followers they have hunted-gathered. Social media accounts gauge their successes, with each hunt bringing more followers, likes, and emojis, which may translate into votes.
Marriage Market as Hunting Ground
In India, we don't just marry; we enter the marriage market. It is a hunting ground packed with biped livestock, vast as the sea, with streams based on caste, religion, or other identifiers. Some hunt for husbands, others for wives. Once a desired spouse is identified, spears are hurled through a process involving many people. The couple is first hunted, then gathered.
To balance this, I share a personal story. Years ago, a friend and I joined a long hike. I packed a food bag with sandwiches and fruit. As we ate, he declared, 'See how organised I am.' Irritated, I snapped back that I was the one who brought the food. He calmly replied, 'No, I'm organised. I've got you along.' This is a fine example of management-driven hunting-gathering.
Still Hunting and Gathering
Currently, I'm on the lookout for accessories for our dog—a raincoat and sundries. So, I am still hunting and gathering, but on the Net. The hunting ground is the infinity of Net-based markets, but the instincts remain the same.
The writer is an author based in Shimla.
