While modernity has its merits, we must recognize the wisdom of traditional societies. Absolutely, it's clear that today's world has brought lots of good things. These include better medical care, more comfortable lives, and more safety. At the same time, older communities offer wisdom in many areas of life. They teach us how to solve disagreements, raise children, and maintain health. Unburdened by the complications of modern societies, their practices have stood the test of time. For example, traditional communities in New Guinea and less developed regions could provide us with some tips of everyday existence. Their structures consist of tribes with hundreds of members or smaller groups. These setups represent natural experiments in building human society.

Hunter-gatherer bands, like the African Pygmies, South American Siriono, and the Ache Indians, provide valuable knowledge of ancient ways of living. These habits predate modern states and societies. Today’s countries emerged only around 11,000 years ago. It seems like a fraction of humanity's six-million-year history. The author highlights that society's traits can adapt. This aids nations in functioning better within their distinct circumstances, including material, physical, social, and demographic factors.

So, the ancient way of life is still tough. In today's societies, judges and police officers have crucial roles. They help resolve conflicts and prevent acts of vengeance. Traditional tribes and groups, however, lack these mechanisms. It leads to ongoing violent reprisals and endless attacks between rival groups.

When looking at societies, it becomes evident that certain features play a crucial role in their adaptability and efficiency within their unique contexts. As mentioned by Jared Diamond, "Some features of a society are adaptive, and… enable the society to function more effectively under its particular material conditions, physical and social environment, and size and density."