Modern Wisdom #786 - Steve Stewart-Williams - Why Are Differences Between Men & Women Being Denied?
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May 20, 2024 
Steve Stewart-Williams, a professor of psychology and author, dives into the evolutionary underpinnings of human behavior. He discusses how aliens might perceive human quirks and the nuances of gender differences. The conversation touches on the reasons behind the gender equality paradox and explores the dynamics of jealousy in relationships. He also examines concealed ovulation's effects on relationships, sexual behaviors, and the complexities of child-rearing, revealing fascinating insights into our nature as a species.
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Alien Perspective on Humans
- An alien scientist would be mystified by human behavior, especially sex differences and family structures.
- They would also be puzzled by music, art, and other activities lacking obvious survival value.
Cultural Evolution's Independence
- Humans evolved the capacity for culture, learning, and sharing knowledge, making us an open-ended system.
- Culture evolves independently of biology, with different selection pressures acting on cultural elements (memes).
Humans as Grandchildren Maximizers
- Humans are not simply survival machines, but rather "modified grandchildren maximizing machines."
- We're driven to have grandchildren, help genetic relatives survive, and maximize inclusive fitness.
