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Joseph Henrich – Why Humans Survived and Smarter Species Didn't

Dwarkesh Podcast

CHAPTER

The Wheel of Progress: Cultural Evolution and Technological Interplay

This chapter examines the absence of the wheel in the New World while contrasting technological advancements in Eurasia. It explores how geographical and cultural factors influenced the flow of ideas, innovation, and the development of complex state systems, tracing back to significant events 70,000 years ago. The discussion highlights the interconnectedness of societies, the significance of social practices and tools, and the complexities of cumulative cultural evolution among human populations.

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