Evolution operates at a population level with attempts to form alliances and compete. The silent majority, consisting of people who are not extreme politically, may play a crucial role in returning to normalcy by forming a 'coalition of the normal' and reaching across the aisle. The distance in the middle is not far, and embracing a reasonable position on any political topic could help form a 'radical centrist' block to compete with extreme views. Tolerance for diverse views and punishing only extreme behavior could prevent polarization and encourage people to occupy the middle ground.
What makes humanity unique?
Dr. Michael Muthukrishna is fascinated by why our species behaves the way it does. In his book, A Theory of Everyone, Michael seeks to answer some of the deepest questions humans have about ourselves and how our cultures came to be. Why do humans create culture? What do all our societies have in common? And how can this knowledge help us build a better future?
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
In our conversation, Michael references a paper published in Science titled "The Church, intensive kinship, and global psychological variation." You can read it here.
To learn more about Michael's work, check out:
michael.muthukrishna.com
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