Geography, Civilization, and the Illusion of Superiority

 I often come across posts on twitter that stir up the idea of racial superiority—casting it as a competition between the white man and the black man. But after reflecting on history, personal learning, and even games like Rise of Nations, I believe the story is far more complex.

Civilizations don't emerge in a vacuum—they're shaped by geography.

Take ancient Egypt, which flourished along the Nile, or the Indus Valley civilization that thrived beside its namesake river. These rivers provided the conditions for agriculture, trade, and political organization. Geography offered the foundation—civilization followed.

In the Global North, long winters made farming impossible for much of the year. People had to prepare for months of scarcity, storing food and planning long-term. This environmental pressure likely fostered strategic thinking and foresight. In a way, it echoes the biblical story of Joseph advising Pharaoh to prepare during years of abundance.

This principle holds around the world: geography molds culture. Nomads follow pasture. Genghis Khan’s empire emerged from the saddle, shaped by the harsh Mongolian steppes. Horses became their strategic advantage—because their survival depended on it.

Even today, geography is shaping our biology. Scientists have observed that people living on the Tibetan Plateau are evolving to survive its thin air and low oxygen. One study notes: “Before our very eyes, humans are evolving on the Tibetan Plateau.” Environment doesn’t just shape culture—it shapes the body too.

When we talk about biological differences, it’s important to proceed carefully. Yes, there are observable tendencies—some West African populations show strong lower-body development; some European populations have more upper-body mass. But these are not markers of superiority. They are reflections of long-term adaptation, and the differences within groups are often greater than the differences between them.

So what do we do with this knowledge?

We recognize that all humans are created equal—but shaped differently by their environments. These adaptations become part of who we are. They are not reasons to compete or claim superiority. They’re reasons to collaborate and learn.

Where others excel, ask why—and learn from it. Japan did just that. After the forced opening of its borders in the 19th century, Japanese leaders studied Western systems and modernized rapidly, eventually surpassing many of those same nations in technology, discipline, and innovation.

Look closely, and you’ll see a recurring theme in all successful civilizations: security—especially food security. Once that is established, people can focus on science, culture, innovation, and governance. That’s the heart of what we call “civilization.”

But the darker truth is this: underdeveloped societies are rarely left alone—especially if they possess something others want. More advanced civilizations tend to use their advantage to expand, dominate, and secure their influence. This pattern isn’t new—it’s historical.

In the end, civilization is not about racial superiority. It’s about adaptation.

Some adapt earlier. Some adapt later. But each group brings its own strengths. And together, they shape the human story.

N.B Originally drafted from personal reflections, later refined with AI assistance for clarity and tone.