You make a very interesting and profound point. Historic matters, and for that matter theological matters, are open to interpretation and vigorous debate. I think this series opens the door to such debate and I hope you will watch the entire series. I think, however Michael Wood is actually inviting us to think about and debate the issues that he is raising, especially in his opening remarks: “Through history civilizations have rose and fell, carved out of nature, dependent on nature, in the end – nature took them back. But in the past few hundred years, one form of civilization – that of the West – has changed the balance of nature forever. And now it is civilization itself that has become the central problem of our planet. “ He returns to this theme throughout the series so as to offer a contrast to viewers in the West who may see history as rather one-sided. In fact, when the series was made in 1996, there was discussion of “the end of history”.

I also would like you to consider the power of “fables” or let us say something fictitious. Consider the fiction book “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” for example and the role it played in changing attitudes in the U.S. prior to the Civil War. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncle_Tom%27s_Cabin

Now, moving closer to the present day and the wars in Iraq, which Michael Wood’s documentary points to; consider three “actual accounts”:
There is Jarhead, a memoir by author Anthony Swofford. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jarhead_(book)
There is Representative Duncan Hunter’s “actual account” Victory in Iraq – How America Won”
http://eastcountymagazine.org/node/4999
And then there is Dr. Ali A. Allawi’s THE OCCUPATION OF IRAQ—Winning the War, Losing the Peace
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/27/books/review/Wong-t.html

Each of these non-fiction books provide very different accounts of “history”. So I’m not too certain that it is ridiculous, to make bold claims, thought I fully understand and appreciate where you are coming from. It is always my hope that “arrogant” claims will inspire greater research and spirited discussion and debate. We can learn so much from each other.

Sincerely,

Bronco

Sure, ancient Sumer has the oldest evidence we’ve uncovered of writing. But is that to say that it IS the oldest place we could ever find writing? And are we so arrogant as to say that the oldest place WE will ever find writing is where it MUST have began because we can’t find it anywhere else? And the Gilgamesh epic is “the world’s FIRST literature?” Our best source of that epic dates to long after our archaeological evidence for the stories told by ancient Egypt. How do we know what we claim to know so absolutely? Why can’t we present that evidence for what it is, truth that leads us to our best but still very fallible conclusions?

It’s ridiculous to have each generation of archaeologists and ancient historians pretending they’ve finally figured out everything about the ancient world while trying to invalidate specific beliefs firmly held by everyone who was ever in the field before them. Learning more, as time goes on, is a cause for humility, not greater pride and arrogance.

So it IS possible. But is it desirable? You said it yourself, no. And that’s because, deep down, you do realize that there are many things you do enjoy and appreciate about civilization. If you truly committed to the anti-civilization beliefs, you could “go off the grid” if you really wanted. No order or system operates without tacit consent. Money only has value because we humans put value behind it. If you really did not value it, you literally could find a way to survive without these civilizational creations.

That’s what I think. I appreciate, no love, socio-cultural evolution. Just because it is not biological doesn’t mean it isn’t as important. Ultimately, in my humble opinion, I am glad these developments took place thousands of years ago.

I am not discrediting your opinion or telling you how to think. I respect and to a degree, understand what you’re saying, because civilization has also caused tremendous misery to humanity as well. But I still prefer it.

These histories are not accurately to be true. It is just to be part of general knowledge to comprehend, but it won’t help us to be more specific in living a civilised world. As for several centuries until today there were and are still wars going on without halting, only with lots of words to have PEACE. After peace then wars start again. Outwardly people seem to be civilised but inwardly they are not, because many impure or immoral thoughts like cheating, lying, killing, distorting, betraying, discriminating, hating, craving endlessly for power, fame and all the sensual desires on lust, pleasures, wealth and spoiling Mother Nature for the commercial greed are still going on.

A true civilised world is for one to self-examine one-self and get rid of one’s bad or immoral habits, then to care and share indiscriminately in loving together as a One Global Big Family without considering a slightest development of war. Zero air, land and sea combat forces and weapons of destruction. Everyone’s responsibility is lead a moral example, not complaining nor criticising on others.

I believe that we, this new generation should continue to educate ourselves watching documentaries like this one. Change the world as we know it. So finally when its our turn to run the world make sure not to make the same mistakes again so we can make this planet a better place for future generations.

Samuel Catrain

I believe that we, this new generation should educate ourselves and change the the world as we know it. Take advantage of the good things that Civilization brings instead of the bad things.

When it’s our turn to run the world make sure not to make the same mistakes again.

Samuel Catrain

I believe that we, this new generation, should educate ourselves to be able to change the world as we know it when it is our time to run it.

Samuel Catrain,