Rethinking Civilization - Crash Course World History 201

Summary

In this episode of Crash Course World History, John Green explores the concept of civilization through James Scott's 'The Art of Not Being Governed.' He challenges the traditional narrative of civilization as a progression from barbarism to a settled, agricultural society. Instead, he presents the idea that hill cultures, like Zomia in Southeast Asia, were formed by people fleeing state control and the burdens of civilization. Green also discusses the interconnectedness of civilization's achievements and the sustainability of stateless social orders, prompting a reevaluation of what it means to be civilized.

Takeaways

• 📚 Civilization is a complex and controversial concept, often associated with progress but also with privileged status and the potential for insult.
• 🎮 The video game metaphor highlights the ongoing updates and changes in our understanding of what constitutes a civilization.
• 🏞 The traditional narrative suggests that 'uncivilized' people were attracted to settled agriculture and civilization, but this may not be the full story.
• 🤔 James Scott's 'The Art of Not Being Governed' challenges the idea that hill people were primitive, instead suggesting they chose to avoid state control.
• 🌾 Agriculture's role in the development of civilizations is emphasized, with food surpluses enabling population growth, job specialization, and the rise of states.
• 🏛 The historical association of civilization with state control is explored, noting that without a state, the concept of 'barbarian' may not exist.
• 🏙️ Cities and settled agriculture are linked to the formation of states, which in turn are associated with the development of civilization and its benefits.
• 🏹 The idea that hill cultures were formed by people fleeing civilization due to the downsides of state control, such as taxes and forced labor, is introduced.
• 🏞️ Hill people are reconceptualized as not just potential future citizens of a civilization but as refugees from it, seeking freedom and avoiding the pitfalls of state control.
• 🌳 The narrative that life in the hills might be preferable to life in agricultural states is considered, with the potential for better health and freedom from epidemics.
• 🌍 The concept of 'Zomia' is introduced as a region of stateless, mountainous areas in Southeast Asia, suggesting a conscious choice by its inhabitants to avoid state structures.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the video script?

The main theme of the video script is the concept of civilization, challenging the traditional narrative that uncivilized barbarians naturally progress to become part of civilized society, and introducing the idea that some people may have actively chosen to avoid state control and live outside of it.

What does the term 'civilization' often imply when used to describe an individual or a group?

When used to describe an individual or a group, the term 'civilization' often implies a privileged status that may not have been earned, while the term 'uncivilized' is generally considered an insult.

What is the traditional narrative of the development of civilization according to the script?

The traditional narrative suggests that uncivilized barbarians from hills, forests, or steppes realize the benefits of settled agriculture, abandon their barbaric ways, and assimilate into civilized society in valleys.

Who is James Scott and what is the main argument of his book 'The Art of Not Being Governed'?

James Scott is an author who argues in his book 'The Art of Not Being Governed: An Anarchist History of Upland Southeast Asia' that the view of hill people as primitive tribal barbarians is incorrect, and he questions many assumptions about civilization.

What is the significance of the 'Zomia' region in James Scott's argument?

The 'Zomia' region, which is mountainous and jungle-y, is significant in James Scott's argument as it is home to a large population that has lived relatively stateless lives, possibly choosing to avoid the state control and civilization associated with settled agriculture.

What is the 'swiddening' agricultural method mentioned in the script?

Swiddening, also known as shifting cultivation, is an agricultural method used by some hill people that provides a more varied diet with less effort, as opposed to the more labor-intensive settled agriculture.

What does the script suggest about the relationship between agricultural surplus and the development of civilization?

The script suggests that agricultural surplus led to population growth and concentration, which in turn led to the formation of states and what we call civilizations, characterized by advancements like writing and arts.

How does the script relate the creation of states to coercion?

The script indicates that the creation of states often involved coercion, with the power of the state resting primarily on the army and taxes, and the exploitation of agricultural labor and subjugation of citizens.

What is the concept of 'Zomia' and why is it difficult to find historical evidence for it?

Zomia is a term used by James Scott to describe a region in upland Southeast Asia and southern China that is relatively stateless. It is difficult to find historical evidence for it because one of the main reasons people created hill cultures like Zomia was to avoid civilizations, and civilizations are characterized by writing, which is largely absent in Zomia.

What is the script's stance on the idea that hill people are waiting to become civilized?

The script challenges this idea, suggesting that hill people are not barbarians waiting to become civilized but rather refugees from civilization itself, having chosen to live outside of state control.

How does the script address the sustainability of different social orders?

The script acknowledges the extraordinary accomplishments of civilization but also points out the sustainability of Zomian-style social orders, suggesting that their way of life is more sustainable than the civilization's current trajectory.