He is considering the level of complexity of society more then 300 years ago, and from 300 until recently.
It is a common mistake; what people often do not realize, is people with a lower level of tech had just as complex lives as we do.
A technology built on wood, can be a very complex technology, requiring a lifetime to acquire, especially with no written language.
Lack of tech is not lack of intelligence. In fact, the more tech available, the easier it is for people with lower intelligence to survive.
Exactly. Was much better when just us egghead gorillas could use computers. Now any chimp with a finger can use them lol.
Agree 100%