Sahlins' "Stone Age Economics"

"Stone Age Economics" by Marshall Sahlins challenges the idea that early humans lived in constant scarcity, suggesting instead they had "original affluence." Sahlins argues that hunter-gatherers met their needs efficiently and generously, often sharing resources freely, which allowed for a stable and sustainable way of life. He emphasizes that their social systems prioritized cooperation, reciprocity, and balance with nature, contrasting with later notions of constant struggle and poverty. The work redefines assumptions about early societies, highlighting their adaptability and the social values that supported their well-being.