Niall Ferguson, in his book "The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World," references Thomas Hobbes’ view of the hunter-gatherer lifestyle. Hobbes described this existence as one that is isolated, impoverished, harsh, and brief. This characterization highlights the struggles and challenges faced by those who lived in such conditions, emphasizing the difficulties of survival without modern advancements.

Ferguson uses Hobbes' quote to illustrate the contrast between primitive societies and the wealth generated by financial systems in later civilizations. The evolution of money and financial institutions has profoundly transformed human life, moving societies from harsh survival to complex, interconnected economies that provide for a greater quality of life.