From our recommended reading list: "Against the Grain: A Deep History of the Earliest States" by James C. Scott This book challenges the traditional narrative of human progress, arguing that the rise of early states wasn't a natural or beneficial step, but rather a coercive process that led to significant downsides for many people. It argues that the transition to sedentary agriculture and state formation was not a choice driven by progress, but rather a result of factors like coercion, disease, and the need to control and exploit populations. . See more from our recommended book list: https://www.thevenusproject.com/learn/recommended-books-films-and-videos/