Leading a hunter-forager existence enforces a reality-based approach.  As Aidan says to Gryka, "Your bad ideas starve in about two weeks."

JS

I am almost finished the book.... I believe one of the themes with which I am in total agreement is in dealing with reality on reality's terms, and not through mysticism or evading of the facts.

(I assume throughout that you're referring to "Eat Like A Predator".  I can't speak for any other paleo writer.)

As far as I can tell, dairy is problematic for some but not others.  Lactose intolerance (or "lack of lactase persistence") is very common amongst adults, especially non-Caucasians and Africans not descended from pastoralists: this makes milk problematic but leaves butter and heavy cream on the table. 

Casein allergy/intolerance is less common but does exist.  And a meaningful number of people find that removing dairy from their diet greatly reduces their acne, though no one is really sure why.

That's why "Experiment with removing dairy from your diet" is in the final "Optimization" step.  Many people are apparently fine, but some people solve a lot of problems by removing it.  Nutritionally it's solid, so as a functional paleo eater I don't condemn it outright as the strict paleo people do.

Does that help?

As far as the message of the book: first and foremost it's Gryka's biography, and the book exists to tell her story.  Everything else is what I learned from her.  I refuse to spoon-feed anyone a "message" -- but I will say unequivocally that The Gnoll Credo does not support or advance any existing dogma, political or otherwise.

TGC is easy to read.  Don't be fooled.  There is much meaning in very few words, and I'm still waiting for people to pick up on some of the themes that are clearly and explicitly stated.

JS

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<p>Ps half way through book. Still deciding whether I like it.   I am pro progress and feel benefits of civilization and progress far outweigh problems and am wondering if this book is anti man anti progress. If so, I will find very challenging.</p>