After mulling over the topic for a bit, I wanted to explore the concept of being 'primitive'. It’s an interesting path of thought that actually unwinds into a relatively complex idea. It refers to an object or person of relatively early design. I often talk about the early inventions that serve as the basis of iterative science or further inspiration. By nature, these early techniques or creations are primitive as initial products but getting there in the first instance and respecting the time period with context might be an ever more impressive feat.
People do not often reinvent the wheel. There is a reason why tried and tested solution continue to improve and society eventually tapers off with progression but this does not mean the past is full of primitive thought or effort. Quite the opposite, and one might consider that primitive with respect to utility is again a result of context within a time period.
Primitive can also relate to a lack of culture. Perhaps if I was to explore a new country or culture, my understanding may be considered as primitive. But this can be said for many people around the world and we might realise that the notion or primitive isn’t as exclusive as one might think. Perhaps with this regard, much of the world’s population is primitive. We can also explore the aspect of being primitive with respect to human psychology. Actions and response can yield irrational or illogical decisions, indicating a state that is somewhat primitive. Intelligence is thought to be a pathway above primitive standards but this is all relative.
Going deeper and looking at primitive states of thought might also relate to simplicity or immaturity. This does not mean to be necessarily negative, it could infer that there is much potential to come from a primitive state. It’s fascinating to think about these interpretations.
