Perhaps the oldest urbanized civilization, The city-state of Ur, known to man began its decline around 3000BCE in part due to rampant wealth inequality and internal rebellion... Its important to note, this particular kind of internal conflict almost always leads to civilizational collapse. "Texts uncovered from Lagash- one of the preeminent Summerian city states- indicate there was a massive chasm between the wealthy and the common people. Most of the latter being so mired in debt that they had to sell their own children to get our of debt." 11 min mark

Under the Code of Hammurabi (1754 BCE), commoners (mushkenu) had property rights but with limits. They could own land, homes, businesses, and slaves, pass down inheritance, and enter contracts. However, they faced taxes, debt risks, and state control over land. Ownership was possible—but not absolute. #History #AncientLaws #PropertyRights

Before "Mine" There Was "Ours"—But We Still Crave Ownership No one enters this world alone. We don’t simply appear—we are born into the first unit of human society: the family. Before civilization, survival was the only priority. No deeds, no property lines, no titles—just tribes bound together, roaming the earth in search of food, water, and shelter. Ownership, as we know it today, barely existed. Resources were fleeting, and the idea of personal property had little meaning when everything was about collective survival. What belonged to the tribe, by extension, belonged to all. And yet, deep within us, the desire to claim something as ours has always existed. A tool, a shelter, a piece of land—something that gives us security, control, and identity. Even in the most communal societies, the longing to carve out a space of our own has persisted. The world may have changed, but the balance between ours and mine still shapes how we live, work, and build our futures. Do you think our need for ownership is innate, or have we been conditioned to crave it? #HumanNature #Ownership #Survival #TribalMindset #Psychology #Society

Music is def one of humanities greatest additions to the universe! @Evelin View quoted note →

"Discipline is like the interest on a 30-year mortgage. Initially it’s most of the payment, but over time it cedes weight to understanding which is like the principal. Discipline without understanding is like an interest-only mortgage. You pay it every month and get nowhere." - @Chris Liss As a new parent I feel the raw effects of this like never before. View article →

Great piece. It is a little strange how the zeitgeist has lifted and altered over the last 20 years. I too know the cathartic feeling of sitting down and writing only for the writing to be unseen or untouched by others. Its sometimes even harder when even in a protocol like nostr, where everyone espoused v4v, you put forth so much effort yet no value finds it's way to you. I blame it on the nascency. Most people don't yet know what they might enjoy. Until then, "we got our own problems to deal with"

I was educated in the USA, I wonder what of the history books is true and what is made up. Is there a way to confirm it for yourself? I figured I'd start at the beginning, teach myself with whatever untainted sources I can find. Whats the oldest civilization you know to exist?

Economic inequality has reached levels unseen in nearly a century, and while many point fingers at politicians, party policies, or the so-called greed of the 1% hoarding all the wealth, the true culprit may be much closer than most realize. At a time when legal structures worldwide strongly protect ownership and economic mobility, it is individuals themselves who are willingly surrendering their financial power to the very elites they criticize.

I know what It's like to be physically willing and able and even ambitious enough to work, but its not enough. Powerlessness is seeking to grow financially and spiritually but no matter how well you do in your local economy it's never enough to save. Even if you could save, the banks are corrupt and offer no interest in your deposits and there is not much that you can lucratively invest in. Thats how it is for many places in the global South, thats how it is for many places closer to home... View article →