Single Idea 5315

[catalogued under 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 Reference

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.