From: jimruttshow8596
Evolutionary biologist Heather Heying applies the toolkit of evolutionary theory to various problems, including understanding the intricate relationship between genes and culture [02:42:04]. Her work, co-authored with Bret Weinstein, emphasizes that culture is as evolutionary as genes [01:18:41], yet operates on a different, faster timescale [01:18:43].
Culture as an Epigenetic Layer
The concept of “epigenetics” broadly refers to anything that can modulate gene expression or is above the gene layer [01:17:34]. Culture is considered a significant epigenetic regulator [01:17:56].
The Omega Principle
A central concept in understanding this relationship is the “Omega Principle” [01:26:23], which posits a necessary relationship between genes and culture [01:16:46].
- Flexibility and Speed: Epigenetic regulators, like culture, are more flexible and can adapt more easily and quickly than genes, with cultural change occurring within generations [01:18:01].
- Serving Genetic Interests: Despite its flexibility, cultural evolution ultimately evolves to serve the genome [01:18:16]. Anything complex and persistent that has stood the test of time culturally is understood to be serving genetic interests [01:19:01].
Cultural Adaptation and its Complexities
Cultural adaptation is defined as a result that works well when tested in the world, becomes refined, and is then integrated into a more automatic, less deliberative layer of society [00:55:45]. This process allows populations to operate “in the zone” [00:56:02].
Backward-Looking Nature of Culture
Culture, being the compilation of past learnings, is inherently backward-looking [01:22:50] and provides stability and a through-line from the past to the future [00:59:21]. This presents a significant challenge in a hyper-novel world where the rate of change is accelerating [00:59:05]. As a result, less of the past will be relevant or valuable to the young moving into the future [00:59:14].
Adaptive vs. Good
Some of humanity’s most terrible historical practices, such as war, slavery, and rape, have been “adaptive” because they were ubiquitous and persisted throughout human history [01:20:16]. However, acknowledging their adaptive nature does not imply they are good or honorable [01:20:33]. This distinction directly addresses the naturalistic fallacy: just because something is, does not mean it ought to be [01:20:49].
Human Plasticity and the Path Forward
Despite a history of culturally adaptive but destructive behaviors, there is tremendous plasticity in human behavior and even in the human phenotype [01:20:56]. This inherent flexibility means that humans are not fated to repeat past adaptive patterns [01:21:36].
The hopeful message is that humans can change what has been adaptive and strive for better outcomes [01:21:38]. The challenge is to consciously take ownership of culture [01:21:53], moving from a backward-looking, “compiler-oriented” cultural style to a proactive, forward-looking one that can adapt to a hyper-novel world [01:22:50]. This requires a deep understanding of what humans are and are capable of [01:23:59].
The Fourth Frontier
To navigate the challenges of the 21st century, a “fourth frontier” is proposed [01:26:29]. Unlike geographic, technological, or transfer resource frontiers, this new frontier involves understanding ourselves and the dynamics of human interaction to move forward sustainably and productively [01:26:37]. The goal is to create a future where all humans can discover and offer their unique contributions, minimizing the role of luck in their lives [01:27:31].