In the beginning of Fall 2008 I read Ishmael by Daniel Quinn. I have read more books by him and many others who want to move beyond civilization or are anti-civilization or green anarchists whatever name they choose. I must say my thinking is in line with many of them and they make perfect sense.

I recently read the Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins. It discusses the evolution of organisms from the genetic standpoint. He studies the biology of selfishness and altruism in nature. This book was referred to me by a beyond civilizationist. I can see why. Dawkins is merely a scientist and is not an anarchist, tribalist, or beyond civilizationist. His work in this book though can be used to make arguments for moving beyond civilization. He even takes a shot at civilization in over population and the too altruistic welfare state. He also says how important it is for animals to groups like herds, packs etc to keep track of population. This of course reminds me of why tribalism worked and how it kept the population of human’s stable.  

I just recently read Ishmael, the Story of B, My Ishmael, and Beyond Civilization all one right after the other. I come from an anarchist background and yet I was still fascinated by what was being said in these books and made me really think about life. I am now reading the Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins to get a better understanding of evolution and genetics. I think humanity forgets that it is a part of nature and not a ruler of nature. The laws of nature still apply to us as well as natural selection and evolution.