Ep 9. Man and Beast

In Mankind Decoded season 1 episode 9, titled "Man and Beast," viewers are taken on a journey through the complex and evolving relationship between humans and animals. From domestication to hunting, this episode explores how our interaction with animals has shaped human civilization and culture.

The episode starts by looking at how animals were first domesticated for food, clothing, and labor. From sheep to cows, humans have evolved to breed, care for, and utilize these animals for our own needs. We learn how domestication has not only allowed humans to survive, but it has also led to advancements in agriculture, transportation, and trading.

However, domesticated animals are not the only ones that shaped human history. The episode also delves into hunting, which has had a significant impact on our evolution. Hunting allowed early humans to develop advanced hunting techniques and tools, which in turn drove their brains to evolve and develop better problem-solving skills. Hunting also played a role in early human social structure, where hunting parties had set roles and responsibilities that helped build cooperation and trust within the group.

Moving forward in history, we see how animals have been used in warfare. Elephants were used for their sheer size and strength, while dogs have been trained as guards and weapons. The episode touches on the ethics of using animals in warfare and highlights how humans have begun to use technology in place of animals in modern times.

The episode also explores how humans have been inspired by animals in art and culture. Ancient artwork and literature often feature animals as metaphors for human traits and characteristics. One example includes the Egyptian god Anubis who had the head of a jackal and was viewed as the protector of the dead.

In addition, viewers learn about animals' impact on religion. We see how different religious beliefs have elevated specific animals to a sacred status, such as cows in Hinduism or the falcon in Egyptian mythology.

The episode then looks at how humans have utilized animal behavior to understand our own. For example, communication among animals has been studied to better understand how humans communicate and interact with each other. Additionally, animal behavior has been studied to gain insights into human psychology and social behavior. We see how the study of animal behavior has influenced modern psychology, particularly in the field of ethology.

Finally, the episode concludes with a look at the future of our relationship with animals, including advancements in animal communication, animal welfare, and conservation efforts. The show encourages viewers to think about the role that animals play in our lives and consider how we can improve our interactions with them.

Overall, "Man and Beast" is an enlightening episode that examines the long and complex relationship between humans and animals. It explores how this relationship has led to advancements in technology, social structure, art, and science, and encourages viewers to consider the ethical implications of their interactions with animals.