Part 8/11:
Today, we inhabit a society where few work directly on land. Instead, we rely heavily on energy derived from fossil fuels and advanced machinery, enabling vast abundance but accompanied by stark inequalities. The automation and technological efficiency of contemporary economies mean individual effort produces diminishing returns.
The historical evolution, from hunting to farming and city-building, reveals a recurring pattern: societies have always moved towards increasing complexity, specialization, and growth. However, this growth has often depended on larger-than-life assets—be it land, livestock, or capital—highlighting the importance of inherited wealth and accumulated resources.