

#4097
Mentioned in 7 episodes
A Theory of Everyone
The New Science of Who We Are, How We Got Here, and Where We’re Going
Book • 2023
In 'A Theory of Everyone,' Michael Muthukrishna presents a bold and original work that integrates research from across the sciences, humanities, and the field of cultural evolution.
The book argues that human dominance is rooted in our unique ability to create and pass on culture—a shared body of knowledge, skills, and experiences.
Muthukrishna proposes four 'laws of life'—energy, innovation, cooperation, and evolution—as essential for solving the practical and existential challenges facing humanity, such as polarization, inequality, productivity stagnation, and the energy crisis.
The book is divided into two parts: the first explains 'who we are' and 'how we got here,' while the second explores practical policy solutions for our current predicament.
Muthukrishna's approach is characterized by a scientific method, a wide range of academic research, and an engaging writing style that makes complex ideas accessible to readers.
The book argues that human dominance is rooted in our unique ability to create and pass on culture—a shared body of knowledge, skills, and experiences.
Muthukrishna proposes four 'laws of life'—energy, innovation, cooperation, and evolution—as essential for solving the practical and existential challenges facing humanity, such as polarization, inequality, productivity stagnation, and the energy crisis.
The book is divided into two parts: the first explains 'who we are' and 'how we got here,' while the second explores practical policy solutions for our current predicament.
Muthukrishna's approach is characterized by a scientific method, a wide range of academic research, and an engaging writing style that makes complex ideas accessible to readers.
Mentioned by














Mentioned in 7 episodes
Mentioned by 

as an ambitious book that attempts to synthesize many ideas from economics and psychology.


Sean M. Carroll

64 snips
255 | Michael Muthukrishna on Developing a Theory of Everyone
Mentioned by 

as a book summarizing the modern view of cultural evolution.


Edward Hughes

56 snips
Claude Cooperates! Exploring Cultural Evolution in LLM Societies, with Aron Vallinder & Edward Hughes
Mentioned by 

as a book offering remarkable ideas on why we are the way we are and what we can do to help direct our society.


Simon Sinek

44 snips
A Theory of Everyone with behavioral researcher Dr. Michael Muthukrishna
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as a book that lays out a theory of everyone and discusses its implications for society.

Michael Muthukrishna

37 snips
Is there a grand unified theory of everyone? (with Michael Muthukrishna)
Mentioned by 

in a discussion about collective intelligence and the limitations of individual intelligence.


Adam Russell

31 snips
AI apocalypticism vs. AI optimism (with Adam Russell)
Mentioned by 

as a behavioral economist who can see a way that our society will adapt to the digital world.


Matthew Syed

14 snips
5. The Future of Attention
Recommended by Kenneth Cukier for its insights into cultural evolution and its application to understanding societal challenges.

Babbage: Science book club
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a book offering a broad view of humanity's past, present, and future.

Michael Kovnat

Who We Are, How We Got Here, and Where We’re Going
Mentioned by 

as a contributor to the Theories of Everything project, with his Theory of Everyone.


Curt Jaimungal

New Announcements and Upcoming Guests for 2022
Mentioned by 

as a wonderful book summarizing the modern view of cultural evolution.


Edward Hughes

Claude Cooperates! Exploring Cultural Evolution in LLM Societies, with Aron Vallinder & Edward Hughes