The conventional narrative of human history and social evolution has long been based on the assumption that societies progress through distinct stages of development, with each stage characterized by specific technologies and forms of organization. However, recent research in archaeology, anthropology, and other disciplines has revealed a much more complex and diverse picture of human societies throughout history.

One example of this complexity can be found in the study of the last Ice Age, where our ancestors were found to have shifted between alternative social arrangements, building monuments and then closing them down again, allowing the rise of authoritarian structures during certain times of the year and dismantling them later. This suggests that no particular social order was ever fixed or immutable, and that individuals could experience life in various social structures.

Another example comes from the study of ancient hunter-gatherers in North America and Japan, which challenges the notion that such societies were always small, nomadic, and egalitarian. Instead, these societies displayed a wide range of social structures and levels of complexity, defying the standard evolutionary narrative.

Furthermore, the conventional narrative often overlooks the role of ritual play and experimentation in shaping human history. Time and again, it has been observed that the zone of ritual play has served as a space for social creativity and innovation, allowing societies to explore alternative ways of organizing themselves and adapting to changing circumstances.

In light of these findings, it becomes clear that the prevalent 'big picture' of history has little to do with the facts. To develop a more accurate understanding of human history and social evolution, it is necessary to examine the diverse and complex nature of societies across different historical periods and cultural contexts. This approach not only challenges the conventional narrative but also opens up new possibilities for understanding the human experience and our potential for social change.