For some reason the gods of algorithms don't seem to be in my favour right now. I'm only getting crickets on this blog lately.

What you said actually got me into reading archeology in the first place. Graham Hancock was the first from whom I've heard this idea: anatomically modern humans exist for 200k years, why should our civilisation be the first. They were just as capable as we are today.

I never extended this logic to an evolutionary time scale. But it is worth considering because it might have some interesting consequences for the Fermi paradox. One of the things I constantly keep thinking while reading this book is: what is the precondition for an industrial society? Why did this western lineage of civilisations conquered the world and why were others content with what they had? I am tempted to say it is "ego," but I'm not sure it is that simple.

Thanks for reading and commenting, though. Much appreciated.