Episode 79 - The Indigenous Critique Of European Explorers

In this episode, we dive into "The Dawn of Everything", by David Graeber and David Wengrow — a radical rethinking of human history. We explore the provocative idea that early encounters between Europeans and Indigenous Americans didn’t just reshape the Americas — they challenged European thinking itself. Through what Graeber and Wengrow call the "Indigenous critique," Enlightenment values like liberty, equality, and democracy may have been deeply influenced by conversations with and observations of Native societies. We discuss: -How Indigenous critiques of European society shaped Enlightenment ideals -The vast diversity of human social structures beyond hierarchy and state power -Why history isn't a linear path from “primitive” to “civilized” -The importance of reimagining freedom in our own time -This episode unpacks a compelling case for rethinking everything we think we know about history, progress, and political possibility.

Whether you’re new to The Dawn of Everything or already a fan, this conversation offers accessible insights and critical reflections on one of the most important works of anthropology and political theory in recent memory.

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