Cows, pigs, wars, & witches
by Marvin Harris · first published 1974
4mentions
3recommended by
4HN commenters
2010–2024first – last mentioned
75% recommend25% neutral
This book challenges those who argue that we can change the world by changing the way people think. The author shows that no matter how bizarre a people's behavior may seem, it always stems from concrete social and economic conditions. It is by isolating and identifying these conditions that we will be able to understand and cope with some of our own apparently senseless life styles. In a devastating attack on the shamans of the counterculture, the author states the case for a return to objective consciousness and a rational set of political commitments.
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Origin - A genetic history of the Americas by Jennifer Raff. Recent evidence of how humans came to the Americas; it's a significantly different story than our conventional wisdom account. Cows, Pigs, Wars, and Witches by Marvin Harris. How cultural norms establish collective behavior. The Extermination of the American Bison. Written in the late 1800s as the tragedy was unfolding. Lots on great detail on how and why…
on “Ask HN: What were the best books you read this year?” ↗For a somewhat deeper anthropological dive into this, although in a very accessible way, you might check out the book "cows, pigs, Wars, and witches". One of the case studies is a culture with a boom-bust cycle much like this.
on “Bracing for the Vanilla Boom” ↗…explanation that makes sense out of otherwise nonsensical human habits of cultures (tribal, ancient and modern). If you're curious and want to read something enjoyable—he's a decent writer—check out "Cows, Pigs, Wars and Witches" (preferably one of the later editions), or for something a little denser: "Cannibals and Kings".
on “Ask HN: What books changed the way you think about almost everything?” ↗In fact, moral based on religion is completely arbitrary. Some years ago I read a book titled "Cows, Pigs, Wars, and Witches: The Riddles of Culture" by the anthropologist Marvin Harris, where he explained that the reason why it is forbidden for muslims and jews to eat pork, is because those religions where originated in a…
on “Why morality doesn't need God” ↗