Evolution vastly altered humanity, but in some senses, humans in the 21st century are the same as their caveman ancestors. Humans craving for and love of water has been passed down through generations, even though we rarely consider it. Water is crucial to all life on earth and makes up about 70 percent of an adult human's body. Humans don't just use water to survive; today various water parks, pools, and other water attractions are a just short drive away in major cities. Our relationship with water started with a need to survive, but now humans find enjoyment in the water in many ways. Water just seems to keep sticking around!
Early humans tended to form societies near clean water sources. One of the first civilizations, located along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, was named Mesopotamia, meaning “land between two rivers.” Most societies there thrived because of their access to clean water. Water access allowed for agricultural practices to develop and increased crop yields. Some societies were even able to create early sewage centers using the flowing water. Water started life, and it continues to allow humanity to thrive and become the great race it is today.
The fascination with water present in early societies is still alive and well today. We no longer have dirt swimming holes; now we have paved swimming holes (better known as swimming pools, of course!) where people spend their summers. Teens spend their days tanning, making money, and watching kids while they lifeguard at their neighborhood pool. Kids go to these pools to enjoy “sharks and minnows” and playing all day with their friends. When not at the swimming pool, kids swarm local water parks and enjoy beating the heat by riding the water slides. The summer allows kids to go back to what it was like to be cave men by brutally sliding down water slides and jumping into big watering holes. Water adds a splash of excitement into the big hot summer.
The hot summer makes people forget the idea of turning water into wine in favor of turning wine into water. People are, and always have been, thirsty for water. Water allows people to have fun in the sun without overheating. It may be forgotten now and then, but water is a nice refresher for the world.
