The biggest change in people seen when we settled down to an urban existence and gave up the hunter-gatherer lifestyle was a LOSS of height and health. Hunter-gatherers typically experienced greater freedom and autonomy, greater height and health, and probably lived a better life than early urban humans.
As to if they are happy? What else do they know? Do you assume that without Starbucks and TV they lead miserable existences? They probably have a rich and varied life full of stories and laughter and the full interplay of human drama that everyone experiences.
From what I have been shocked to read about the fate of the aborigines, I pray that no one tries to “help” them too much.
Let them have matches for a few weeks, then take them away and see how happy they are.
Great post....I agree.
The ones who died of Type I diabetes, or from an infected cut on their toe, or appendicitis, or other easily treatable conditions, probably didn't. I do know that anyone in a modern society today is free to live a hunter-gatherer lifestyle if he is so inclined, but that few do.
Sorry, I didn’t notice your “early urban” qualifier. Although there would not be today’s version of modernity without earlier modernity.