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In most agricultural societies at least one out of every…

“In most agricultural societies at least one out of every three children died before reaching twenty.5 Yet the increase in births still outpaced the increase in deaths; humans kept having larger numbers of children.” quote by Yuval Noah Harari
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““In most agricultural societies at least one out of every three children died before reaching twenty.5 Yet the increase in births still outpaced the increase in deaths; humans kept having larger numbers of children.””

Yuval Noah Harari

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Population growth persisted despite high child mortality because societies valued larger families for labor and security.

In simple terms: Families stayed large despite many child deaths.

Key Takeaway

Recognize how cultural values shape demographic trends.

Themes

demography history culture

Mood

reflective analytical

Type

historical sociological

When to use this quote

  • rural communities
  • historical analysis
  • policy planning

Key Concepts

population dynamics mortality rates family economics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do cultural norms influence family size?
  • What are the long‑term effects of sustained high mortality?
A Different Perspective

High child mortality can also drive social change, not just growth.

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