Explore the principles of complexity in relation to human life, scale, and civilization in this 53-minute lecture by Jim Brown from the University of New Mexico and Santa Fe Institute. Delve into topics such as geography, diversity, human languages, primary production, and the demographic transition. Examine the scaling perspective of energy supply and consumption, and consider species averages and maternal investment across different countries. Gain insights into the metabolic ecology of humans, drawing connections between various aspects of human existence and their impact on the environment. Conclude with a narrative that balances optimism with a critical examination of human civilization's challenges and potential future directions.