Clear+Vivid with Alan Alda
Joe Henrich: How Culture Has Shaped Our Bodies and Brains
Sep 26, 2023
Joe Henrich, who studies how culture has shaped human evolution, discusses the influence of culture on the evolution of Homo erectus, the importance of diversity for innovation and the impact of immigration, the evolution of gods and the role of rituals, the significance of rituals and the consequences of secularization, and the benefits of ritualistic behavior in promoting cooperation.
39:19
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Quick takeaways
- Culture has shaped human evolution by changing our bodies, expanding our brains, and enhancing our ability to cooperate.
- Prestigious individuals who model certain behaviors or beliefs can have a profound impact in spreading ideas and behaviors within a society.
Deep dives
The Influence of Culture on Human Evolution
The podcast explores how culture has shaped human evolution, not only by changing our bodies and expanding our brains but also by enhancing our ability to cooperate. It discusses examples such as the impact of cooking on our digestive system and the role of cultural diversity in generating new ideas and innovations. The guest highlights the importance of studying the full diversity of human psychology and how cultural evolution has contributed to the development of language, cooperation, and rituals.
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