))
Pyramids and Networks
Manage episode 293990415 series 2886860
Content provided by Chas Holloway. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Chas Holloway or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
Episode 4:
There are only two ways people can be organized, through hierarchies or networks. There are no other possibilities.
Thousands of years ago when nomadic wanderers first settled into agricultural communities, the first hierarchical rulers muscled in. According to historian, Will Durant, it was probably the first viscious killer to attack an agricultural community who became the first King.
While the fires were still smouldering, he appointed a team of bruisers to rule the village with organized force. They created slavery. They created taxes. They created top-down control of the community.
Did the conquered people give in because they had no choice? Was it better to be ruled by one great master that to fight the hundreds who might attack them next? All we know is that down through the centuries ever since, thugs have kept the state alive through brutal centralized force.
But today, because new kinds of networks are developing, for the first time in the history, that’s starting to change…
12 episodes
Share
