"Long after this wonderful event in the Earth's history, when the human species was spread over a good deal of Asia, Europe, and Africa, migration to the American continents began in attempts to find new feeding grounds and unoccupied areas for hunting and fishing"
- Harry Johnston
About this Quote
Harry Johnston's quote encapsulates a pivotal moment in the anthropological narrative of human migration. It highlights the continuous and natural quest of the human species for survival, growth, and adaptation. The "fantastic event" mentions a significant yet unspecified turning point in human advancement-- perhaps the arrival of Homo sapiens, developments in tool-making, or the proficiency of fire, all of which exceptionally improved human ability to engage with and adjust to their environment.
Subsequent to this significant advancement, Johnston describes humans as spreading throughout large parts of 3 continents-- Asia, Europe, and Africa. This spread is a sign of early human capacity for migration, driven by the basic requirement to make use of diverse resources and adjust to differing environments. The reference of "a bargain" of these continents suggests that humans had actually established a substantial existence long in the past starting journeys to the remote Americas.
Johnston then relocates to describe the migration to the Americas, framing it within the context of necessity and chance. His mention of finding "brand-new feeding premises" and "unoccupied areas" underscores the financial motivations-- mainly searching and fishing-- for these migrations. The pursuit of new resources was essential for early human beings as they looked for sustainability and development, often moved by environmental pressures, population characteristics, or even interest.
Making use of "attempts" may show the difficult and uncertain nature of these migratory journeys, undertaken across extreme and unfamiliar terrains, perhaps even across the land bridge of Beringia during the last Ice Age. This indicates both the durability and adventurous spirit intrinsic within early human groups. The idea of "unoccupied locations" might also mean the perception of untapped natural reserves, exposing early human methods of using offered resources effectively and maximizing space for future habitation.
In essence, Johnston's quote weaves a story of exploration and adjustment, portraying human migration not just as a movement but as an integral part of the evolutionary tale, highlighting strength, versatility, and a nonstop pursuit of chance.