An important vector of human difference is that between the Nomadic and the Sedentary. It allows us to interpret a host of related issues, ranging from the uprooting of Europeans to the celebration of Nomadism itself, and the unequal toleration for certain groups.
What do the terms mean? Nomad comes from the Greek νομάς, designating shepherds who moved with their flocks from pasture to pasture. Sedentary comes from the Latin sedentarius, which can be interpreted as designating a state of sitting, but also a state of stability or rest.
The Biblical story of Cain and Abel presents two embodiments of each lifestyle: Cain is a farmer, hence a Sedentary, to the point of being the alleged founder of the first city, while Abel, as a shepherd, is the archetypal Nomad. Interestingly, the Bible shows that despite their common origin, the relationship between Nomad and Sedent is fraught with tragedy.
What do the terms mean? Nomad comes from the Greek νομάς, designating shepherds who moved with their flocks from pasture to pasture. Sedentary comes from the Latin sedentarius, which can be interpreted as designating a state of sitting, but also a state of stability or rest.
The Biblical story of Cain and Abel presents two embodiments of each lifestyle: Cain is a farmer, hence a Sedentary, to the point of being the alleged founder of the first city, while Abel, as a shepherd, is the archetypal Nomad. Interestingly, the Bible shows that despite their common origin, the relationship between Nomad and Sedent is fraught with tragedy.
