Previously, we talked about the Civilizational Range Scale proposed by an American aerospace
engineer, Robert Zubrin. If you haven’t seen the previous video, check it out in the
description below. Today, we will be exploring some of the defining features of an Immature
Type 1 civilization under the Civilizational Range Model!
According to Zubrin, most of the Earth is a cold place not suitable for human life with
no fur, feathers, or blubber to protect us. So, the survival of unprotected human life
for any length of time on our planet is as impossible as surviving on the moon. For him,
our technology is the main reason why we survive and thrive on our home planet. Moreover, the
earliest known remains of both Homo sapiens and its precursors are found in the East African
region implying that all modern humans may be the descendants of a very small band of
people who lived in East Africa about 200,000 years ago. This tells us that we humans have
colonized much of our planet rather than just being native to it entirely.
But the move outward from East Africa did not happen overnight. For over 150,000 years
after the emergence of the first Homo Sapiens, our ancestors remained in the tropics with
the same simple stone tool kit under their belt for generations. But about 50,000 years
ago, maybe due to overpopulation resulting from their own success in the tropical region,
some bands of these people left the African homeland to go explore the North. This is
where humanity started to face its first challenges that came in the form of giant carnivores,
and cold harsh environments. And perhaps this is the beginning of Humanity’s journey as
an immature Type 1 civilization on its way to a mature Type 1 on the Civilizational Range
Scale. Although an immature Type 1 is at the lowest
end of the spectrum on this scale, they can still accomplish many great feats. For instance,
the cold wintery weather led to the invention of clothing which meant humanity had to invent
sewing. Efficient control of fire was also required along with insulated shelters for
surviving in the extreme cold temperatures. For humanity, it was either this, or win shelters
from powerfully built, stocky, and cold-adapted Neanderthals, or 1,000+ kg cave-dwelling bears!
Now, because we were in direct competition with these well-adapted giants, the invention
of fine-tooled weapons that could kill at a distance for combat and big game hunting
became essential. Also, to be able to plan, communicate, and coordinate better among Homo
Sapiens, we were forced to develop language and other forms of symbolic communication.
So, within a few thousand years of their arrival in the north, our ancestors made all sorts
of novel gear including a wide array of finely chipped and polished stone tools and weapons
and bone tools along with sewing kits and fishing kits. They also produced fine cave
art and even musical instruments. These skills are exclusive to us humans as no other species
on our planet is capable of creating symbolic art. This proves to be a very solid skill
set to have for any immature Type 1 civilization in the universe since it indicates a qualitatively
higher level of intellect which can lead to better living conditions as it did for our
early ancestors. Now, for Zubrin, moving to these challenging environments transformed
Homo Sapiens into Homo Technologicus, capable of adapting to new situations with the power
of invention. In other words, inventions and innovations of simple tools and technologies
pushed our civilization on the path to becoming a fully mature Type 1 civilization. But that
is a discussion for another time!
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Until then, we’ll see you in the next one!