Acharya Prashant explains that the human transition from being hunter-gatherers to agriculturalists was an inevitable shift driven by a lack of satisfaction with mere biological survival. While other species are content with material success and reproduction as a means of attaining immortality, humans sought to free themselves from the vagaries of randomness and the constant search for food. The original purpose of agriculture, and subsequently science and technology, was to secure the physical front so that humans could devote their time to higher pursuits and internal transformation. We emerged from the jungle not to amass external riches, but to evolve beyond our animalistic nature. However, a tragic 'wrong turn' occurred in human history where we achieved great external progress without corresponding internal development. Acharya Prashant points out that while modern humans possess immense technological power and sophisticated tools, they remain internally identical to their primitive ancestors. This discrepancy—having the consciousness of a chimpanzee while wielding the power of nuclear missiles—is what endangers the planet today. We have forgotten that the departure from the jungle was intended for the sake of elevating our consciousness and becoming free from within. He further critiques the tendency to justify primitive behaviors by labeling them as 'natural' or citing the 'law of the jungle.' He argues that if one wishes to live according to animalistic instincts, such as eating animals or basing social roles on biological characteristics, then one belongs in the jungle. To truly leave the jungle behind, humans must behave as beings of consciousness who are not dictated by their bodies or biological impulses. The purpose of all human knowledge and prosperity is defeated if it does not lead to the elevation of the inner self.
