The Hunter vs Farmer Theory of ADHD: Do You Feel Like a Hunter Living in a Farmer’s World?
Growing up, I always identified with warrior type women. The fierce nurturing, protectors who fought for what they loved and believed in.
My middle name is Joan, after Joan of Arc, the French heroine, warrior who led her country's army to victory over the English. I spent my childhood years fascinated by stories of adventure like Tom Sawyer and My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George. These stories of exploration, bravery, and awe-inspiring feats captured me.
My mind was always spinning — dreaming up adventures of my own. I dreamt of joining the military and becoming a warrior in my own right. I was always looking for a purpose. . . Something I could fight to protect.
It’s as if this primal stirring, this instinct was instilled so deep within me that I couldn’t deny it.
That’s why when a friend in highschool informed me that my name, Kelly, in Gaelic meant “Warrior Princess”, I just about died!
And that’s also why when, as an adult, I discovered the Hunter vs Farmer Theory of ADHD, I felt peace. Reassurance.
My primal stirrings, my warrior nature, and fiery desire to protect, had found validation.
The Hunter vs Farmer: An evolutionary explanation of ADHD
In a world of farmers, we are the neurodivergent hunters — we are the warriors.
What exactly does that mean? Let me take you on a brief journey of a theory that goes back as far as the Paleolithic era.
The Hunter Type Theory was created by Thom Hartmann, author of ADHD: A Hunter in a Farmer’s World.
To distill it down, Thom Hartmann’s theory states that ADHD is not, in fact, a disorder as we’ve largely classified it. Instead, it’s the result of evolution. Us ADHD — or neurodivergent — individuals simply have brains that evolved for different purposes than neurotypical individuals (farmers).
Us modern day humans evolved from hunter gatherer societies. Obviously, the world of today is miles away from the hunter gatherer way of life. But still, the tendencies of our hunter and gatherer ancestors evolved with us. These tendencies still lie within us today.
The Hunter vs Farmer Theory claims that neurotypical individuals are the farmers. The farmers of today largely evolved from the gatherers of the past.
But us, the neurodivergent individuals — the ones classified as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder — we were the hunters. Or, as I like to identify with, the warriors. We evolved differently. We are different. But that’s because we were built for different tasks and a different lifestyle than the farmers.
Wielding symptoms of ADHD as skill sets
So what are these skills anyways? As someone with ADHD, I had a hard time identifying them. I’m sure I’m not the only one.
Oftentimes we feel like we’d rather be in the trenches than go through traditional schooling. And, a desk job for the rest of our adult lives!? The thought is anxiety-inducing at least.
But that’s OK. Because traditional schooling and desk jobs aren’t what we were meant for. These are the things that the farmers of the world thrive at.
Us hunters were made for a different path.
A look at the hunters arsenal of skills
Here’s a hint, they may have been masquerading as hindrances (or symptoms) for much of your life.
Hunter Type individuals:
Carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. We have a tendency to be incredibly hard on ourselves and feel a deep sense of shame when we let others down.
This is because, in the days of our ancestors, the success of the hunters meant life or death for the tribe.
Today: These expectations we put on ourselves may feel too heavy to bear. But what does it really mean? It means we are fiercely loyal, protective, and some of the best friends and partners to those we love. We’re driven by a primal desire to never let our tribe down.
Often feel a sense of underachievement. . . No matter how outstanding our tick-list of accomplishments appears.
I imagine you can relate — the trademark reason adults seek help when struggling with ADHD is the feeling that they, “just can’t get it together.” Have you ever found yourself observing the world around you and feeling like everyone else is so much more organized, successful, accomplished . . . The list goes on.
Trust me when I say, you’re not alone. Furthermore, this feeling kindles the fire inside that drives us to keep going and accomplish great feats as entrepreneurs, artists, military personnel, police officers, comedians, and many of the other environments us neurodivergent individuals thrive in.
What would have happened to the tribes of our ancestors if the hunters made a big game kill and then said, “Great. I’ve accomplished my goal. I’m done.”?
Are easily distracted. While this is true, I also consider it a partial misconception.
Those of us with ADHD may be easily distracted from a task that doesn’t engage us completely. When faced with a gripping endeavor, we have the power to zone in with unbreakable tunnel vision — a hunter in pursuit of the kill.
In modern day civilization, many tasks are not engaging enough to keep our interest.
This is because we’ve evolved from hunters. Warriors.
We evolved to observe every last detail of the world around us — to alert when a twig snaps, to be ready to move and act at any stimulus hinting that danger (or dinner) is nearby. We can phase from distractible (or, alert. . . Aware) to zoned in at a moments notice. This is not a disorder. When used in the correct setting, this is a tool. Our hidden weapon.
Banish ADHD as a disorder and nourish your inner warrior
Although it’s true, we live in a farmer’s world, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t still space and a need for us hunters.
Neurodivergent — hunter type — individuals, like me and you, struggling to manage ADHD symptoms, addiction, and similar behaviors, have gifts to offer the world today. Just as we did millions of years ago when bringing our catch home to feed the tribe.
We just need to understand what “bringing home big game” looks like in the modern day, and then learn how to wield our unique weapons in order to meet our potential.
Compare the modern day hunter vs the modern day farmer to help guide you on your path:
Farmers:
Excel at efficiently completing mundane tasks such as paying bills, sorting paperwork, and following complex company policies.
Are reliable to show up on time every day from 9-5.
Til the land and lay the groundwork that keeps a household or company running smoothly. Think, making phone calls, feeding the dogs, keeping up with a 7-day plan at the office.
Hunters:
Excel in situations that require adaptability and present unexpected circumstances. Imagine, sitting in a patrol car waiting for your next call, performing on stage and being ready to improvise at any moment, or dreaming up a new business venture and putting your plan into action.
Do best when working in bursts. As a hunter type, it’s important to serve yourself by acknowledging that you’re likely a sprinter — not a marathon runner. Find a path that allows you to work hard, efficiently, and tactfully in bursts, and then offers ample time to rest. Think comedian, artist, active duty military.
Hunters excel at stepping out of the ordinary. We’ve evolved to live for the moment, we have courage and flexibility on our side. In order to excel in today’s modern world, we must embrace the tasks that favor these unique weapons we wield.
How to manage ADHD symptoms by embracing our role as hunters in society
The path of the hunter was never an easy one. It was our role to seize the moment and put our lives at stake for the sake of our tribe. We were the ones sitting up late in the moonlight, tending the fire, alert to the sounds of potential danger. It’s never been easy.
This is why, in today’s modern world, hunter types (or ADHD individuals) can feel a heightened sense of chronic stress or feeling that we don’t belong.
But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Gary Paulsen said, “I am where I belong, and I belong where I am.” (A quote those of us here at Warrior Wellness Group live by, from his book, Brian’s Winter).
You belong here. This modern world needs our unique skills and abilities.
It’s simply a matter of learning to manage ADHD naturally and work alongside the physiology we were born into. This all starts with awareness. Awareness of where we’re at and the awareness of how to move forward toward missions that fulfill us.
It’s time to turn your “symptoms” into strengths and utilize them to experience a life well lived.
Are you ready to nourish your inner warrior, embrace the hunter within you, and manage ADHD naturally?
Uncover your evolutionary predisposition by taking the Are You a Hunter Type? Quiz.
This quiz is an excerpt from the book “The Drummer and the Great Mountain - A Guidebook to Transforming Adult ADD/ADHD” by Michael Joseph Ferguson (2014 LUMINAIA Press) and based on Thom Hartmann’s Hunter-Farmer hypothesis of ADHD.
If the answer is yes, you are a hunter, it’s time to embark on the path of harnessing your unique strengths to find your place in the modern world.
Reach out to us here to learn about holistic wellness solutions for managing ADHD naturally and thriving alongside your unique and needed skill set.
** Are You a Hunter Type quiz used with permission. The results of this quiz do not serve as a medical diagnosis of ADHD. Warrior Wellness Group is not affiliated with Michael J. Ferguson or Alive Life Coaching**