Seventy Years Among Savages

by Henry S. Salt

"Seventy Years Among Savages" by Henry S. Salt is a reflective memoir written in the early 20th century. The book chronicles Salt's decades-long experience among what he perceives to be "savage" peoples, delving into the contradictions and brutalities of civilization compared to the cultures he describes. The work aims to provoke thought about societal norms, ethical treatment of animals, and what it truly means to be civilized. The opening of the memoir sets the stage for Salt's introspective journey, detailing his gradual awakening to the barbarity present in his so-called civilized society. He describes a life spent in a seemingly untamed land, coming to grips with the harsh realities of human behavior and the often unacknowledged atrocities of society, particularly concerning dietary practices and treatment of animals. Salt introduces the idea that many civilized behaviors mask deeper instincts, and he feels a profound sense of loneliness in realizing that the customs he once accepted without question are rooted in savagery. The narrative suggests that genuine understanding of one's surroundings—or the "truth" of civilization—can be both enlightening and isolating.