2024-05-25

A Successful Hunter-Gatherer

I recently watched the documentary “Hadza: Last of the First” which explores one of the few remaining hunter-gatherer tribes. After watching it, I wondered what makes someone “successful” in that environment. Humanity has spent most of its existence like that, so maybe we can draw valuable insights from this.

A successful male in this environment is a combination of being a good:

• Hunter (provides for the community)
• Mentor (passes skills to younger generations)
• Mate (forms a long-term bond, raises a family)
• Leader (involves in community politics)

To replicate that in modern society, you can:

• Excel in a career and provide to your community¹.
• Mentor the younger generation.
• Raise a family.
• Be a leader in your community.

This is likely good advice for having a meaningful life.