Just a small quibble regarding your premise that the human condition was one of desperation and misery ( my terms). Pre colonial north America as presented in studies sounds more utopian than miserable. Pretty stable groups thriving for thousands of years amid abundant food resources, led by acclimation, by the wisest leaders and often guided by the women. I would gladly trade places. Of course that all changed after European contact. The seed of Jeff Bezos was planted. I look forward to your future essays.