The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens John Gowdy: “Superorganisms, Crazy Ants, and Fire Apes, Oh My!"
7 snips
Apr 13, 2022 AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Evolution Beyond Selfish Genes
- Biology has moved beyond the selfish gene concept to show complex gene-environment interactions affecting behavior and development.
- This expanded understanding challenges simplistic views of human selfishness and social behavior.
Crop Types Shape Human Nature
- Agricultural staples shape social behavior: rice-growing societies emphasize cooperation, while wheat-growing societies tend toward more individualism.
- Culture and economy mold distinct human natures rather than a fixed universal selfishness.
Microeconomics Misses Long-Term Reality
- Economic models focus narrowly on self-interest and short-term gains, missing crucial social and ecological dynamics.
- Discounting the future in economics can make long-term harms like climate change seem negligible.