Modern Wisdom
#594 - Dr Richard Wrangham - The Incredible Evolution Of Human Violence
Feb 25, 2023
Dr. Richard Wrangham, a Harvard anthropologist known for his research on human evolution and aggression, delves into the complexities of human violence. He discusses how our capacity for both kindness and ruthlessness evolved. Wrangham explores the duality of human nature, contrasting aggression with tolerance, and the evolutionary origins of morality. He highlights fascinating comparisons between human and primate behavior, particularly the role of female coalitions in bonobo society, and reflects on how societal structures shape male power dynamics and perceptions of aggression.
01:20:14
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Quick takeaways
- Humans exhibit a mix of benevolence and aggression, evolved through self-domestication to reduce reactive aggression over time.
- The development of moral principles coincided with power dynamics within human groups, shaping concepts of right and wrong.
Deep dives
Evolution of Human Aggression and Morality
Humans exhibit unique capacities for both benevolence and aggression, with a capacity for extreme ruthlessness. The evolutionary story of human aggression reveals a mix of aggressive and tolerant behaviors being inherent to our biology, rather than solely a result of societal influences. Dr. Richard Rangam discusses the concept of humans selectively breeding themselves to become less aggressive over time, leading to the coexistence of aggressive and kind tendencies in our species.
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