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Animals Quote by Yuval Noah Harari

“Thus humans who lived a million years ago, despite their big brains and sharp stone tools, dwelt in constant fear of predators, rarely hunted large game, and subsisted mainly by gathering plants, scooping up insects, stalking small animals, and eating the carrion left behind by other more powerful…” quote by Yuval Noah Harari
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““Thus humans who lived a million years ago, despite their big brains and sharp stone tools, dwelt in constant fear of predators, rarely hunted large game, and subsisted mainly by gathering plants, scooping up insects, stalking small animals, and eating the carrion left behind by other more powerful carnivores.””

Yuval Noah Harari

About This Quote

Source Book: Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, 2014

Early humans, despite intelligence and tools, lived under constant predator threat, relying on gathering and scavenging rather than hunting large game.

In simple terms: Ancient humans feared predators and ate plants, insects, and carrion.

Key Takeaway

Recognize how fear shaped early survival strategies.

Themes

human evolution survival predator avoidance

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

historical educational

When to use this quote

  • archaeological research
  • educational curricula
  • risk assessment training

Key Concepts

anthropology risk management food acquisition

Questions to Reflect On

  • What modern fears mirror ancient predator threats?
  • How does technology change our survival instincts?
A Different Perspective

Modern safety technologies reduce some ancient fears but introduce new anxieties.

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