Let’s suppose you are exploring the planet Earth, and it’s 100,000 BCE. How would it look to explore prehistoric Earth and prehistoric humans? Everything would be 180° different from today’s modern and digital world. There would be no cities, no law and order, no tools, no vehicles, no digital devices, no agriculture, no care for other individuals, no writing systems, no complex languages, and no proper clothing.
You would only find tribes and clans hunting wild beasts and gathering roots. The only job of those prehistoric humans would be to hunt animals to survive in the harsh climates of Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. The only technology or tools would be stone tools, which were used to hunt prey. Fire had already been domesticated by humans long before that period. Therefore, fire was another form of technology used for cooking and providing light. Languages were not common; those humans were only able to speak a few words, often used to warn other members of the clan about danger or threats.
How did all these changes occur and lead to the formation of complex societies like ours? How did humans evolve from prehistoric tribes to modern civilizations, capable of constructing cities, skyscrapers, vehicles, technology, and much more? Essentially, a multitude of events has propelled us to this stage, including the cognitive revolution, the invention of writing systems, agricultural revolution, advent of civilizations, scientific revolutions, and most recently, the industrial and digital revolution. However, three of these events have significantly transformed human history by 180 degrees: the cognitive revolution, agricultural revolution, and industrial revolution. Let’s explore how these events have shaped modern humanity.
The first step towards human advancement was the Cognitive Revolution, distinguishing us from other species. The origins of the Cognitive Revolution can be traced back to a period roughly between 70,000 to 30,000 years ago, marked by significant shifts in human cognitive abilities and social behaviour. According to estimations, the human Cognitive Revolution was influenced by factors such as biological changes, genetic mutations, environmental pressures, and social and cultural developments. During this era, humans developed complex language, enabling effective communication among themselves. This development facilitated the sharing of ideas, stories, and information. Moreover, humans honed creative, innovative, and problem-solving skills. They also crafted more advanced and practical tools during this period. The era also witnessed the emergence of cultural revolutions, as prehistoric humans initiated rituals and adopted shared beliefs.
The Cognitive Revolution paved the way for the development of knowledge and wisdom. With advanced cognitive abilities, humans began observing and learning. Initially, knowledge and wisdom were primarily transmitted orally through storytelling. Rock art, dating back from 40,000 to 10,000 years ago and found worldwide, serves as evidence of early human expression. However, proper written systems originated in ancient Egyptian, Indus Valley, and Mesopotamian civilizations during 3500 to 3000 BCE. Disciplines such as Philosophy, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology emerged before the Birth of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, during Ancient Greek and Islamic scientific eras, and the Renaissance, knowledge and wisdom underwent significant advancements, leading to the development of new fields of study.
The second major event that shaped today’s modern world was the Agricultural Revolution, also known as the Neolithic Revolution. Agriculture was first developed approximately 12,000 years ago in various regions worldwide, including the Fertile Crescent, the Yangtze River Valley in China, Mesoamerica, and the Norte Chico civilization in South America. This revolution marked the transition of humans from nomadic tribes to more complex social structures through the cultivation of plants and the domestication of animals. Humans began harvesting crops and herding animals for food during the Agricultural Revolution. It led to the establishment of permanent settlements, resulting in the formation of villages, towns, and eventually cities, which contributed to the emergence of civilizations. Moreover, the Agricultural Revolution gave rise to specialized occupations such as traders, leaders, and craftsmen. Social hierarchies, trade networks, the exchange of goods and services, and the development of complex societies with organized governance were also defining characteristics of the Agricultural Revolution.
Civilizations were significant developments during the Agricultural Revolution. The earliest known civilizations emerged in Mesopotamia, often referred to as the cradle of civilization, within the fertile crescent. The Sumerian and Akkadian civilizations were established around 4500 BCE. The Indus Valley Civilization dates back to around 3300 BCE. Along the Nile River, the Egyptian civilization emerged around 3100 BCE. The ancient Chinese civilization was established along the Yellow River around 2000 BCE. In Mesoamerica, civilizations such as the Maya, Olmec, and Aztec originated. The advent of civilizations shaped human history in numerous ways, including urbanization, social organization, trade, innovations, cultural developments, scientific and intellectual progress, and the standardization of writing systems.
Let’s consider once more the scenario: if a human from 100,000 years ago were suddenly transported to the present modern world, they would be shocked by the profound technological advancements, urbanization, language evolution, cultural shifts, and scientific progress that have unfolded over the past millennia, collectively shaping today’s modern society. Looking ahead to our future, uncertainty looms large, exacerbated by environmental threats that endanger our existence. Global warming, climate change, and the recent emergence of global boiling are pressing concerns that challenge our survival.
The third and most recent major event that shaped the modern world was undoubtedly the Industrial Revolution. Beginning in the 18th century, this revolution remarkably marked significant technological advancements and the emergence of industries. It transformed human societies and economies. Originating in Britain, this revolution catalyzed remarkable technological innovations.
Major inventions during this period included the spinning jenny, steam engine, power loom, and advancements in steel production. New social classes emerged, transportation became more accessible, a new economic system characterized by capitalism emerged, and there were advancements in machinery and communication. These were the major characteristics of this transformative period. The Industrial Revolution eventually paved the way for subsequent revolutions, including the digital revolution that defines much of our contemporary world.
The digital revolution began in the mid-20th century and rapidly evolved, transforming humans into a super species. This revolution is characterized by the widespread adoption and advancement of digital technology. Its major components include computing technology, the internet, mobile technology, social media, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence. This revolution has changed our lives through its widespread implications. Recently developed artificial intelligence tools are heralding a new era in AI.
Let’s consider once more the scenario: if a human from 100,000 years ago were suddenly transported to the present modern world, they would be shocked by the profound technological advancements, urbanization, language evolution, cultural shifts, and scientific progress that have unfolded over the past millennia, collectively shaping today’s modern society. Looking ahead to our future, uncertainty looms large, exacerbated by environmental threats that endanger our existence. Global warming, climate change, and the recent emergence of global boiling are pressing concerns that challenge our survival.
