Warmth of the Season

Abstract

The taming of fire was certainly one of the most significant technological leaps for humanity. The ability to cook food which improved the quality of meat by destroying parasites and bacteria led to a longer lifespan. Some plant-based food is fairly unpalatable until cooked, and fire increased the diversity of consumable food. Fire warmed our early shelters against the harsh elements of seasonal weather and expanded the territory in which humans could live. At night, after the sun has retreated, fire led to light which increased the sociality of the human culture. Thus, it isn’t too surprising that our fascination with fire still continues to this day.