- [ ] [[Communes]] - Are they civilisation, or somehow fundamentally different. ## Overcome There are examples from [[History]] where humans have largely overcome biological or instinctual behaviours through cultural evolution and societal development. These instances illustrate our capacity to adapt and transcend inherent biases. Here are a few examples: #### 1. Inter-tribal Violence and Xenophobia • Deep Past: Early human groups likely evolved a tendency toward suspicion or hostility toward outsiders as a survival mechanism, protecting resources and kin. • Overcoming: Over millennia, trade networks and inter-group alliances grew, fostering collaboration between previously hostile groups. The establishment of broader cultural identities (e.g., empires, religions, or nations) helped unify diverse populations, albeit imperfectly, under shared norms and goals. #### 2. Sexual Competition and Gender Roles • Deep Past: Many early societies reflected rigid gender roles and hierarchies, influenced by reproductive pressures and physical demands. • Overcoming: Cultural shifts, particularly in modern times, have challenged and transformed these roles. Movements for gender equality demonstrate our ability to question and dismantle structures rooted in biological differences. #### 3. Cannibalism and Resource-Based Behaviour • Deep Past: Archaeological evidence suggests that cannibalism occasionally arose out of survival necessity or ritualistic practices in prehistory. • Overcoming: As societies developed agriculture and animal husbandry, reliance on such behaviours diminished. Modern taboos against cannibalism reflect a cultural shift away from survival-based instincts. #### 4. Class-Based or Hereditary Hierarchies • Deep Past: Many ancient societies were stratified based on hereditary [[privilege]], likely reflecting instincts to secure resources and power within kin groups. • Overcoming: While inequality persists, the rise of democratic ideals and human rights has challenged and, in many cases, dismantled rigid caste or class systems. #### 5. Slavery • Deep Past: Slavery, often justified by perceptions of biological or cultural inferiority, was a widespread institution. • Overcoming: While not entirely eradicated, global abolition movements from the 18th century onwards show humanity’s capacity to reject practices that were once deeply entrenched and often seen as inevitable. These examples illustrate that while certain behaviours or biases may have biological origins, humans have a remarkable ability to reshape norms and values in response to ethical reasoning, social pressures, and cultural progress. The challenge lies in applying these lessons consistently to modern issues like racism, where deeply ingrained instincts intersect with evolving societal ideals. ## How do social classes in communes look? Some films and novel suggestions that highlight how chaotic, unjust, or morally complex [[History]] has always been: Novels - [ ] A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens (1859) #books • Set during the French Revolution, this novel vividly portrays the brutality, inequality, and political chaos of the era, showing how revolution and justice can quickly descend into tyranny and revenge. - [ ] War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy (1869) #books • Set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, this sweeping epic explores the devastating impact of [[War]] on individuals, families, and nations, highlighting the fragility of political order. 3. The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov (1967) • A satirical exploration of Stalinist Russia, the novel portrays political corruption, fear, and absurdity while weaving in timeless themes of power, truth, and love. - [ ] Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe (1958) #Media • This story of a Nigerian village facing the disruptive forces of colonialism and missionary influence offers a powerful meditation on how external political systems destroy indigenous traditions. [Full YouTube Movie](https://youtu.be/LgB2zI3-gV0?si=Tp2vY-ubNnm3aGJU) - [ ] The Radetzky March by Joseph Roth (1932) #books • Set during the decline of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it captures the fragility and decay of old imperial structures and the personal lives caught in political tides. Films 1. Barry Lyndon (1975, directed by Stanley Kubrick) • This historical drama set in the 18th century showcases the moral ambiguities and political machinations of aristocratic Europe, highlighting both the absurdity and cruelty of the era. 2. The Battle of Algiers (1966, directed by Gillo Pontecorvo) • A gripping, realistic portrayal of the Algerian [[War]] of Independence, focusing on the brutal tactics employed by both French forces and Algerian resistance fighters. - [ ] Come and See (1985, directed by Elem Klimov) • A haunting depiction of the atrocities of World [[War]] II as seen through the eyes of a Belarusian teenager, this film is a reminder of the sheer chaos and moral collapse that [[War]] brings. [YouTube Full Movie](https://youtu.be/zjIiApN6cfg?si=xLYyOZv1LyPn4gzv) 1. The Favourite (2018, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos) • Set during the reign of Queen Anne in the early 18th century, this darkly comedic drama highlights the cutthroat nature of court politics and personal ambition. - [ ] Z (1969, directed by Costa-Gavras) #Media 🆔 b2XuWS • Based on real events in 1960s Greece, this political thriller explores corruption, assassination, and state oppression in the guise of democracy. Themes to Reflect Upon These works illustrate that political struggles, corruption, and chaos are recurring features of human history. By exploring them, you might find both perspective and solace in understanding that today’s turmoil, while unique in its details, is part of a larger, timeless story of humanity. Would you prefer recommendations leaning more toward dark humour, deep tragedy, or epic scope? `Concepts:` [[Community]] `Knowledge Base:`