Stuff: Humanity's Epic Journey from Naked Ape to Nonstop Shopper

Humans have gone from owning nothing to being owned by our stuff, a journey that has led to world-destroying addictions. This book charts three great leaps in our relationship with objects and belongings, from the discovery of tools to the production of endless commodities. It explores how we went from primates who needed nothing to people who need everything and suggests that it is time for a fourth and final leap for humanity to reevaluate our relationship with the things that make and could break our world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 16 November 2023
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

The captivating journey of humankind, from owning nothing to being owned by our possessions, is a profound exploration of the evolution of our needs and the devastating consequences of their transformation into world-destroying addictions. Over 3 million years ago, our ancestors discovered the power of breaking apart rocks to create sharp edges, a revolutionary discovery that forever altered the course of our species and our planet. This lively and informative book charts three significant leaps in our relationship with objects and belongings, from the invention of tools to the production of endless commodities. How did we transition from primates who required nothing to individuals who demand everything? Through captivating characters, astonishing archaeological discoveries, and thoughtful reflections on philosophy and culture, Chip Colwell embarks on a quest to unravel the mysteries behind this transformation.

The book takes readers on a captivating journey to extraordinary and unfamiliar places, including the Italian cave where the world's first painted art was discovered, a Hong Kong skyscraper where a priestess channels the gods, and a towering trash mountain that rivals the height of iconic landmarks like Big Ben or the Statue of Liberty. Colwell's exploration of our relationship with stuff is both captivating and thought-provoking, challenging us to reevaluate our attachment to the things that shape our world and potentially threaten its destruction.

As landfills and oceans continue to drown in plastic, it becomes evident that a fourth and final leap is necessary for humanity. We must reassess our relationship with the things that make and could break our world, recognizing the need for a more sustainable and responsible approach to consumption. This requires a shift in mindset, from a culture of acquisition to one of appreciation and mindfulness. We must learn to value the things we have and to use them wisely, recognizing that our choices have consequences not only for ourselves but for future generations.

In conclusion, the fascinating tale of humankind's journey from owning nothing to being owned by our stuff is a testament to the power of human innovation and the profound impact of our choices on the world around us. By exploring the origins of our needs, the evolution of our relationship with objects, and the consequences of our addiction, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the urgent need for a sustainable future. Let us embark on this journey together, recognizing the importance of reevaluating our relationship with the things that make and could break our world and working towards a more harmonious and sustainable existence.

Weight: 712g
Dimension: 167 x 242 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781805260493