Human history can be viewed as a continuous narrative where different groups of people rise and fall, often displacing others during their ascent. This perspective suggests that change is a constant force, shaping societies and cultures over time. The dynamics of migration, conquest, and social evolution are central to understanding how civilizations interact and transform one another.

In "The Novel Habits of Happiness," Alexander McCall Smith encapsulates this ongoing cycle of human experience. He highlights that the movement of people throughout history not only affects those displaced but also leads to new cultural exchanges and growth. Ultimately, history is filled with stories of transition, revealing a complex tapestry of human existence.