Bosco’s Book Bin - Cows, Pigs, Wars and Witches
Posted on April 22nd, 2008 by bosco Categories and Tags: Uncategorized, charity, crime, currency, debate, donation, drugs, economics, egalitarianism, environment, food, free will, Harris, isms, Jesus, marijuana, murder, ostracism, politics, probable and reasonable solutions, property, rape, research, scarcity, science, selfishness, sexism, Technology, torture, war, warfare state, wealth redistribution, welfare
The most recent political book I’ve read is Cows, Pigs, Wars and Witches: The Riddles of Culture on loan from Blog of Bile’s very own xyz. It is a collection of short essays in the field of anthropology and sociology. Each essay attempts to shatter preconceived notions and explain in greater detail human actions which the author has deemed befuddling. Amongst the topics discussed are cows as sacred animals, pig lovers and haters, primitive warfare, the idea of an aggressive male, extreme consumption and extreme donation, cargo cults, a history of messiahs, the violent origins of Christianity, early witchcraft and witch trials, and the contemporary resurgence of disdain for objectivity.
The book is a relatively easy and quick read, only slowing down at the end where the author feels it necessary to defend himself from the hordes of sandal-wearing druggies that are going to attack him. The author is selling his theories as to why certain anomalies in culture exist. Unfortunately due to the imperfect nature of his science the results are quite subjective. Despite Mr. Harris’ ardent pleas for objectivity at the end of the book I find some of his explanations to be lacking in sufficient evidence to support his claims of causation.
On a positive note, he does an excellent job of introducing the history surrounding these topics. There is a lot of good information in the book, mostly revolving around things that are not easily disputed such as recorded history. This book is an excellent catalyst for debate.
Rather than go through each topic, here are some of the highlights that stick in my mind:
- A good analysis of childbirth and war are used to attempt to explain why males are dominant in most of our societies.
- Some interesting history of egalitarianism, reciprocity and “the big man” in primitive societies.
- A decent early history of Christianity, including the movements leading up to it and Paul’s initial reformation of the church following the death of Jesus.
- A scathing essay on the futility of modern movements attempting to change society by changing individual consciousness. Scathing is an understatement, perhaps scalding, blistering or even face-melting would be more appropriate. I think this is the essay bile would enjoy most.
Here are some problems I had with the book:
- He starts with a good premise, “I hope to present probable and reasonable solutions, not certainties.” But by the end of the book he is so wrapped up in defending himself he comes across like an early evangelical minister telling “God’s honest truth”.
- Don’t quote the King James translation of the bible when entering into debate over the origins of Christianity. Sometimes Mr. Harris addresses the original Aramaic, but at other times he seems to disregard the translation process that led to the quotes he chooses to use. This part of the book could use bolstering.
