Long ago Quote by James C. Scott
““Not so very long ago, however, such self-governing peoples were the majority of humankind. Today, they are seen from the valley kingdoms as “our living ancestors,” “what we were like before we discovered wet-rice cultivation, Buddhism and civilization.” on the contrary, I argue that hill peoples are best understood as runaway, fugitive, maroon communities who have, over the course of two millennia, been fleeing the oppressions of state-making projects in the valleys — slavery, conscription, taxes, corvée labor, epidemics, and warfare.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Art of Not Being Governed, 2003
Hill societies have historically fled state oppression, forming autonomous, marginal communities.
In simple terms: Hill peoples escaped state control, creating independent groups.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the value of autonomous, resilient communities.
Themes
history
autonomy
resistance
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
anthropology
historical analysis
When to use this quote
- rural development
- indigenous rights advocacy
- anthropological research
- policy design
Key Concepts
state formation
social marginalization
cultural survival
Questions to Reflect On
- What lessons can modern societies learn from these autonomous groups?
- How can we support their resilience without imposing external agendas?
A Different Perspective
Romanticizing autonomy may overlook internal challenges and external pressures.
