— The Curse of “Progress Equals Evolution” and the Sustainable Future Shown by the Jomon Civilization


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Debunking the myth of Eurocentrism and the curse of “progress equals evolution.” The Jomon Civilization’s philosophy of nature symbiosis offers a post-growth future.


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Introduction

For centuries, humanity has believed in a single narrative: Eurocentrism—that the Western world represents the ideal and the pinnacle of social development.
The Industrial Revolution, technological advancements, and the global spread of capitalism have reinforced this belief, embedding the assumption that “progress equals evolution” into the very core of modern civilization.

But is that assumption truly universal?
Will the path we are on lead to real human happiness?
This article explores the historical background and limitations of Eurocentrism, and uncovers how the Jomon Civilization—which lasted over 10,000 years—developed a sophisticated nature symbiosis system.
From a philosophical perspective, we will examine how its wisdom could serve as a guide for building a post-growth society.


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Table of Contents

1. What is Eurocentrism? — Definition and Historical Roots


2. The Curse of “Progress Equals Evolution” and a Philosophical View


3. From the Age of Exploration to Modernization — The Colonization of Values


4. The Jomon Civilization’s Advanced Nature Symbiosis System


5. Key Differences Between Jomon Values and Today’s SDGs


6. Environmental Crisis and Mental Fatigue — Why We Need the Jomon Model Now


7. The Future Vision of a Post-Growth Society Inspired by Jomon Thought


8. The Value of Jomon Living from a Disabled Person’s Perspective


9. Value Transformation Beyond the Eurocentric Model


10. Conclusion — Toward an Era of Cultural Maturation over Expansion




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1. What is Eurocentrism? — Definition and Historical Roots

Eurocentrism is the worldview that evaluates history, social systems, and cultural development using Western nations as the standard, treating them as a universal measure of progress.
Since the modern era, this perspective has been embedded in education, media, and international politics, establishing the dichotomy of “developed = Western” and “undeveloped = the rest.”

Internal Links Example:

Related article: How History Education Shapes Cultural Bias

Related article: Alternative Social Models in Japanese History



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2. The Curse of “Progress Equals Evolution” and a Philosophical View

The 19th-century concept of historical progress gave rise to the idea that later stages of history are inherently superior.
This merged with Eurocentrism to create a curse: the uncritical belief that “progress equals evolution.”

Three Core Misconceptions:

1. Technology guarantees happiness — Yet loneliness and anxiety persist despite hyperconnectivity.


2. GDP measures true prosperity — Many high-GDP nations still face high suicide and depression rates.


3. Convenience expands freedom — Efficiency often creates new obligations and surveillance.



In philosophical terms, this is a telos inversion—where growth, originally a means, becomes the ultimate goal.


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3. From the Age of Exploration to Modernization — The Colonization of Values

Age of Exploration (15th–17th centuries): Military and economic dominance reshaped the world.

Industrial Revolution (18th–19th centuries): Economic structures locked in Western dominance.

Modernization Theory (19th–20th centuries): Western society framed as the universal model.


Local cultures were redefined as inferior, and non-Western societies internalized a sense of being “behind.”


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4. The Jomon Civilization’s Advanced Nature Symbiosis System

The Jomon Civilization (c. 14,000–300 BCE) was one of the world’s rare long-term, sustainable societies.

Key Features:

Stable food sources: A balanced mix of nut harvesting, fishing, and hunting.

Rich leisure and art: Clay figurines, pottery, and lacquerware that went beyond mere utility.

Wide trade networks: Long-distance distribution of jade and obsidian.


Population and resource use were kept within nature’s regenerative capacity.

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5. Key Differences Between Jomon Values and Today’s SDGs

While today’s SDGs promote “sustainability,” they are still rooted in economic growth.
The Jomon worldview required no growth at all, valuing harmony with nature over profit.

SDG approach: Growth + environmental measures

Jomon approach: Growth unnecessary + nature integration



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6. Environmental Crisis and Mental Fatigue — Why We Need the Jomon Model Now

Today’s challenges are not only economic or political:

Climate change and ecosystem collapse

Resource depletion and energy conflict

Rising rates of isolation and mental illness

AI-driven loss of human roles


These are symptoms of the Eurocentric growth model’s limits.
The Jomon model offers an antidote.


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7. The Future Vision of a Post-Growth Society Inspired by Jomon Thought

1. Local circular economies — Prioritizing regional self-sufficiency.


2. Decentralized energy systems — Renewable power aligned with nature’s cycles.


3. Empathy-centered education — Emphasizing cooperation over competition.



These are not utopian fantasies but realities already emerging in small communities worldwide.


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8. The Value of Jomon Living from a Disabled Person’s Perspective

As a person with a disability, I have felt the harshness of an ability-centric society.
The Jomon model valued role diversity, where even those with physical limitations contributed meaningfully—tending fires, preserving wisdom, or offering prayers.
Weakness was not a flaw but a pillar of communal strength.


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9. Value Transformation Beyond the Eurocentric Model

The narrative of “West = forefront” is no longer absolute.
What we need now is not accelerated expansion but cultural and human maturation.
The Jomon model offers universal principles: harmony with nature, valuing relationships, and embracing diverse roles.


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10. Conclusion — Toward an Era of Cultural Maturation over Expansion

Humanity stands at a crossroads: continue under the curse of endless growth, or choose the Jomon path of maturation.
The wisdom of the Jomon Civilization is not just a relic of the past—it is a compass for our future.


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The wisdom of the Jomon Civilization could be the first step toward a better future for the next generation.