Summary of Foragers, Farmers, and Fossil Fuels

Foragers, Farmers, and Fossil Fuels: How Human Values Evolve, by Ian Morris, is a sweeping exploration of human evolution from hunting and gathering to the state of humanity today. Through Morris’ narrative of human history, he shows how various archetypes such as hunters, farmers, and fossil-fuel-users are connected, and how their values have shaped societies. Morris argues that fossil fuels, and the energy they provide, have dramatically shifted our values, from focusing on physical needs to mental ones. He further shows that this shift has created a disconnect between our modern society and traditional values, which can be seen in the rise of inequality and climate change today. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in learning more about human evolution and its implications for the future.