Rethinking Civilizations

What is the main argument presented by James Scott in "The Art of Not Being Governed"?

• Hill people are primitive and uncivilized.

• Hill people consciously choose to avoid civilization.

• Hill people are naturally inclined to violence.

• Hill people are eager to join settled agricultural societies.

According to the traditional narrative, what is a key factor that led to the development of civilizations?

• The invention of writing.

• The establishment of trade routes.

• The surplus of food from agriculture.

• The discovery of metals.

What does the term "Zomia" refer to in James Scott's book?

• A fictional land of hill people.

• A region in upland Southeast Asia and southern China.

• A type of ancient civilization.

• A historical period of peace.

What is one of the reasons people historically fled to the hills, according to the video?

• To find better agricultural land.

• To escape slavery and state control.

• To engage in trade with valley civilizations.

• To practice new religious beliefs.

Which of the following civilizations is NOT mentioned as being founded in a river valley?

• Ancient Egypt

• Ancient Mesopotamia

• The Indus Valley civilization

• The Mongol Empire

What is a common misconception about hill people, as discussed in the video?

• They are eager to adopt settled agriculture.

• They are inherently violent.

• They are primitive and left behind by civilization.

• They have no culture or history.

What is the relationship between states and agriculture?

• States are independent of agricultural production.

• States rely heavily on agricultural surplus for power.

• Agriculture is irrelevant to the formation of states.

• States discourage agricultural development.

What is one of the downsides of state control discussed in the video?

• Increased freedom and autonomy.

• Higher levels of innovation.

• Taxes and forced labor.

• Improved health and longevity.

What is a benefit of living in the hills compared to settled agricultural states?

• Access to better education.

• Avoidance of epidemic diseases.

• More opportunities for trade.

• Greater political influence.