[qubex]

> this begs the question: how were we meant to live?

In the savanna in social groups of about fifty or less related individuals leading a hunger-gatherer lifestyle.

I doubt the OP is going to argue that we all head back to that state, though, so I’m going politely disregard their absolutist and ex cattedra remarks.

[Johnjonjoan]

Why not also tropical rainforest? (I'm assuming you're saying we are meant to live how we did at our inception)

IMO using the word meant implies a purpose and I don't think there is one here.

[qubex]

I was just giving a quick & dirty reply, and my knowledge of anthropology is quite limited. As I understand it we evolved out of the African savanna. If there are other niches we evolved in (rather than expanded to), those would also be a valid response.