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Single Idea 5315
[filed under theme 27. Natural Reality / G. Biology / 3. Evolution
]
Full Idea
Selection pressures of hunter-gatherer existence have persisted for over 99 percent of human genetic evolution.
Gist of Idea
Over 99 percent of human evolution has been in the hunter-gatherer phase
Source
Edmund O. Wilson (On Human Nature [1978], Ch.4)
Book Ref
Wilson,Edward O.: 'On Human Nature' [Penguin 1995], p.84
A Reaction
This seems a key point to bear in mind when assessing human nature. Hunter-gathering isn't just one tendency in our genetics; it more or less constitutes everything we are.
The
14 ideas
from Edmund O. Wilson
20662
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The biology of societies: kin selection, parenting, mating; status, territory, contracts
[Wilson,EO]
|
5308
|
The only human purpose is that created by our genetic history
[Wilson,EO]
|
5311
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If observation goes up a level, we expect the laws of the lower level to remain in force
[Wilson,EO]
|
5309
|
Beliefs are really enabling mechanisms for survival
[Wilson,EO]
|
5310
|
Philosophers study the consequences of ethics instead of its origins
[Wilson,EO]
|
5313
|
The rules of human decision-making converge and overlap in a 'human nature'
[Wilson,EO]
|
5312
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A child first sees objects as distinct, and later as members of groups
[Wilson,EO]
|
5314
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Cultural evolution is Lamarckian and fast, biological evolution is Darwinian and slow
[Wilson,EO]
|
5315
|
Over 99 percent of human evolution has been in the hunter-gatherer phase
[Wilson,EO]
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5318
|
Pure hard-core altruism based on kin selection is the enemy of civilisation
[Wilson,EO]
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5316
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We undermine altruism by rewarding it, but we reward it to encourage it
[Wilson,EO]
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5317
|
The actor is most convincing who believes that his performance is real
[Wilson,EO]
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5320
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It is estimated that mankind has produced 100,000 religions
[Wilson,EO]
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22187
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Genetic behaviours that have enhanced human success include aggression, rape and xenophobia
[Wilson,EO, by Okasha]
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