[knarf]

At one time, man was very civilized and 'cultured' in that area.

Something has happened for man and his culture disappear from there.

What and why?

I propose we're not advancing but rather digressing.

Perhaps entropy was the wrong word ... how about 2nd Law of thermodynamics.

[blam]

An Origin Of New World Agriculture In Coastal Ecuador (12,000BP)

[dasboot]

I think I see your point: The sociological construct necessary for technological progress can, (and/or most assuredly will) (entropy) 'diffuse' (atrophy?): and the technological creation of the social paradigm cannot sustain itself without recourse to the necessary traditions which made the technology possible in the first place.

Roger that!

[John Valentine]

What happened was tuberculosis, influenza and measles.

These diseases, inadvertently introduced into the Americas by the newly arrived Europeans, spread like wildfire through the indigenous populations.

Literally millions died, 99% of whom never met a European or even knew of their existence. There is little doubt that this is what happened in the Amazon.

There have been a number of past posts on this subject here on FR. After I do a bit of research, I'll post the links if I can find them.

[dasboot]

I propose we're not advancing but rather digressing. Our technology progresses, while the sociatal conditions which make it possible, 'digress' (ungress? :^). At some point, the structure fails catostrophically, and weeds grow over the interstates.

We progress and antigress at the same time.

[rightofrush]

Perhaps entropy was the wrong word ... how about 2nd Law of thermodynamics.

Unless "entropy" was the name of an Amerind tribe?