Look to Nature

In Jared Diamond’s discussion on geographic determinism he poses the idea that some countries developed and advanced technologically due to their environment not due to intellect or biological superiority or inferiority. His views are in line with the philosophical writings of Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s, Discourse on the Origin of Inequality Among Men. I have come to this comparison because Diamond asks us to look to nature to find the answers to developmental differences among people in many different geographic locations, much the same as Rousseau’s ideals of finding reason and the nature of all men. Rousseau states that man is born good, but becomes corrupt due to desires to acquire more or excess (Fiero, 134). Diamond suggests that favorable geographic conditions advance technology and man’s desire for expansion. Rousseau claims that in primitive environments, man is content with his rate of progress as long as his basic needs are met (Fiero, 135). In harsher environments cooperation is necessary for survival and to maintain natures order (Fiero, 135). In my opinion, the two ideas support one another when we compare other species, such as insects, animals, or plant life. An example in plant life would be the growth rate and expansion of a vine called morning glory. When morning glory is given adequate sun light, water, and space it can flourish and expand to the point of chocking out its surrounding vegetation. Also in optimal environments is has an opportunity to mutate into a new variation of the same plant through pollenization. However, the same plant grown in an environment lacking one or more of its essential elements for survival will not expand or flourish but adapt to its environment, if it can survive at all. This may seem like a far fetched comparison, but over the years we have seen nature adapt due to the impact of natural disasters, the extinction of species, and the interference of man. Both Diamond and Rousseau are suggesting that man is pragmatic in his sensibilities, that is to say that man’s progression is based on his available resources, their accessibility, and whatever is required to meet demands of the people. A current example of this is the spider phenomenon occurring in Texas. North America is not known for cooperative living amongst spiders; however, in Texas a massive spider web has been created, with several different spider species living together (Monster Spider Web). Scientists believe that because of excessive flooding in that region, mosquitoes are populating in large numbers which provides an excess of food for the spiders; hence the mosquitoes aren’t trapping each other for food but instead creating a massive web to trap the insects and feed (Monster Spider Web). This type of adaptation and communal cooperation is what Diamond is suggesting leads to exploration and technological progression. On a smaller scale, geographic determinism affected the expansion and development of the United States. Settlements in the north, lumber mills, cod fishing, and the establishment of the triangle trade between New England, England, and the West Indies, allowed the north to become more populated and gain easier access to education, art, and ideas from Europe; more so than our southern counterparts (Alexander). People in the south were not biologically inferior, they were geographically unfortunate. Diamond’s discussion is presented purely scientifically drawing from anthropology and his tone is very matter of fact. This approach does not allow for racial or sexist biases, rather it relies on rational thought. Diamond poses reasonable explanations for the susceptibility to disease, the establishment of fixed communities or migrating communities, and the advancement in tools, weapons, etc. Citations Alexander, Ken. "Revolutionary Movement In Enlightenment." Los Medanos College. Los Medanos Brentwood Center, Brentwood. 31 August 2007. Fiero, Gloria. The Humanistic Tradition Book 4. Fifth. New York: McGraw Hill, 2006. "Monster Spider Web Spun in Texas." CNN.com/US 31 August 2007 31 August 2007.
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