--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: One of the most momentous, yet all but…" description: "\"“One of the most momentous, yet all but invisible, psychological changes in human history has been the intensification of a sense of insecurity and ali..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c23/mark-elvin-51757_change_one-of-the-most-momentous-yet-all-but-in_188255.jpg" --- # One of the most momentous, yet all but invisible… ![“One of the most momentous, yet all but invisible, psychological changes in human history has been the intensification of a sense of insecurity and alienation from the world around us that arose when we became no longer able easily to get food in a few hours just by gathering it, or hunting it, but…” quote by Mark Elvin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c23/mark-elvin-51757_change_one-of-the-most-momentous-yet-all-but-in_188255.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c23/mark-elvin-51757_change_one-of-the-most-momentous-yet-all-but-in_188255.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c23/mark-elvin-51757_change_one-of-the-most-momentous-yet-all-but-in_188255.jpg) > ““One of the most momentous, yet all but invisible, psychological changes in human history has been the intensification of a sense of insecurity and alienation from the world around us that arose when we became no longer able easily to get food in a few hours just by gathering it, or hunting it, but had to organize ourselves in a purposeful fashion simply to survive. This change is undocumented, though occasional clues can be gained about it from the comments of the few still alive who have lived through a version of it, such as old Australian Aboriginals. Its essence is subjection to a pervasive but unacknowledged, indeed unnamed, fear. It is the foundation of civilization.”” [Mark Elvin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-elvin/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The passage notes that humanity’s shift from easy food gathering to organized survival created deep, often unspoken insecurity and alienation, forming a hidden fear that underlies civilization. **In simple terms:** Organized survival created hidden fear and alienation, shaping civilization. Key Takeaway Recognize and address the hidden fear in modern life. Themes history psychology civilization insecurity alienation Mood concerned thoughtful Type historical analytical When to use this quote - urban living - food security - community building - modern work Key Concepts anthropology social organization existential fear Questions to Reflect On - What modern structures mitigate this ancient fear? - How can societies foster security without losing autonomy? A Different Perspective The analysis may overlook resilience and adaptation. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Change](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/change/) [Economics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/economics/) [History](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/history/) [Insecurity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/insecurity/) [Psychology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psychology/) ## Related quotes > [I'm here in this industry to work. I respect the work of others equally. 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