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

Dwarkesh Podcast

NOTE

Embrace Error for Innovation

Cultural knowledge transmission is essential for continuity, yet innovation requires experimentation. Strong adherence to customs may inhibit creative exploration, as changes to established practices are often perceived as detrimental. Mistakes and random variations can serve as powerful sources of novelty, highlighting the underestimated value of errors in the innovation process. Furthermore, humans have evolved to have extended childhoods and prolonged lifespans, allowing for greater cultural accumulation and knowledge transfer, particularly from older generations.

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