An unenthusiastic member of the human species that I have long been, who deplores all its exultations worse than the plague, I still delight in learning about its origins. And especially about the decisive moments in the so-called ascent of homo sapiens sapiens, upon which all the rest has followed. My fascination with cave painting is the case in point, as its appearance clearly dissects a very different before and after. Very different, indeed. But why this fascination in view of the underlying lack of enthusiasm, or worse? As far as I can discern at the moment, there are two reasons. The first borders on jealousy, and a dollop of outright sentimentalism, for I would prefer to be alive then rather than now. Ah, to be a shaman! The second borders on desperation, for I dare to hope that alternative futures were available to the species, especially at the decisive moments on its path. Ah, to be a shaman with a clear vision of the deplorable future lying ahead!

Addendum (April 3, 2016)

By way of consolation, I do see the future clearly enough. And, as I have put it in my book about climate change, the future is bright. After many trials and tribulations that still lie ahead, the human species will return to its tribal origins. As well as hunting and gathering that are in its blood and bones. For thousands upon thousands of years, everything will be back to normal, as it were. Luckily for the species, nothing needs to be done now or ever to secure this outcome. Alternative futures are not available, at any rate. Enough said. Ah, to be a shaman!