#035 Michael Garfield - The Purpose of Polymaths
On The Edge
Exploring Neoteny, Lifelong Learning, and Hyper Objects in Evolutionary Biology and Philosophy
Evolutionary biology delves into neoteny, highlighting how humans retain child-like traits into adulthood due to the complexity of our social context, necessitating lifelong neuroplasticity. The increasing complexity of society and the built environment has sparked discussions on lifelong learning to adapt to shifting labor landscapes. The traditional mindset favoring specialization is giving way to valuing generalists and interdisciplinary approaches. Philosophy introduces the concept of hyper objects, vast structures like civilization or global warming extending across space and time, challenging us to acknowledge our existence within them. Understanding these hyper objects expands our now to encompass past, present, and future, urging us to live in a larger now rather than focusing solely on the future.
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