“The noble savage” myth thing rearing its’ ugly head again, not too different than "only aliens could have built the pyramids/Machu Pichu/the Moai.

It’s very sad. As someone who is deeply interested in the reasoning and behaviors of cultures at war, how they justify themselves, how they justify their actions, their policies and dispositions, it always upsets me when I see the notion that everyone except white folk, or by some of the more slightly-aware advocates, everyone except complex settled societies, lived in peace and harmony. But it’s just another projection of moral judgement on an issue that shouldn’t have it. Other cultures are not fables for you to teach your own rotted society, where the children no longer respect their elders and everyone is writing a book starting a podcast; they’re unique and multifaceted societies that deserve accurate study in their own right.

Pre-state societies are often very violent, which is part of the reason why examining their tools for conflict resolution is so important. With weak centralized decision-making structures (like a state or commune-esque protostate), people have to get creative, and it’s very fascinating.