Learning to Get Along      

   King Solomon said that God set eternity in the heart of men, and the Aetas in the Philippines seem to bear that out. Before the New Tribes Mission reached them in the 1960s, they already believed in a supreme being and lesser spirits. They were also animists, imagining spirits in rivers, mountains, the sea and such. 

   Since hunter-gatherers don't have kingdoms or other forms of government, how do they learn to share food, care for others and coordinate tasks? 

   Researchers discovered that those most favored among the people are the storytellers, not the best hunters. Fashion a story about a dispute between the sun and the moon, and how they resolved it - each appearing at different times - and you have a way of leadership. 

   If you want to see a real, live hunter-gatherer, you might start making plans. Mining, deforestation, logging and farming are taking a toll on the ways of the few thousand Aetas who remain. In fact, some already are wearing T-shirts, pants and sandals. 

   Here in civilization, we continue our diverse ways and disputes. We unite around Santa, at least for a few weeks. 

   But, No No No! Kids suffer disillusionment, when flying reindeer don't fly anymore, and Santa's workshop isn't as visible as Amazon online.

   The sun and moon story? That can last a lifetime. 

   Let's not feel overly superior to the Aetas. If the Philippines' electric grid goes down, as in Puerto Rico this year, these people will just keep on hunting and gathering.  

   By the way, this may be the last year Santa is based at the North Pole. We hear Mrs. Claus wants to move to Florida.

      Jimmy