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reaganwaggoner 's review for:
A Hunter-Gatherer's Guide to the 21st Century: Evolution and the Challenges of Modern Life
by Heather E. Heying, Bret Weinstein
informative
slow-paced
All in all, a solid book. It was given to me by a friend, and I definitely enjoyed it. At some moments, I was exceedingly annoyed at the tone and resolve of the authors, but at times I very much enjoyed and agreed with their perspectives. I likely will read this book again at some point in the future, and I do believe that it is a very well-written book.
The authors, Heather Heying and Bret Weinstein, are married, and it struck me a little weird that they wrote about themselves in third person when employing personal anecdotes throughout the novel. However, I understand and struggle to think of a better method considering both are authors and the first person is illogical. Anyway, enough with that irrelevant rant.
The introduction established that the book is aimed at solving human paradoxes without faith. Essentially, why we cry, why we love, why we feel others' emotions, and what makes us different from other living beings all around the world. The authors certainly revere the concept of being human and recognize the uniqueness of our species. Regardless, I couldn't help but mutter to myself, "good luck" when they insisted they would provide an evolutionary fact-set that explains human paradoxes without faith.
In chapter 1, the authors discussed their worldview regarding Beringia (supposed land bridge between Russia and Alaska) and their belief that many lived there when it melted, faced with the decision to travel east into an unknown land (North America) or return west to previously inhabited land. Further, using this story and others, they insist that humans thrive in groups, and the best groups are those with non-overlapping blind spots. Additionally, they establish one of their major themes, which carries throughout the entire book - homo sapiens are exceptional because we are jacks of all trades and masters as well. Not only are we skilled in a variety of disciplines; we are masters of them as well. Out natural proclivities toward certain skills make us better together. Alone, we have many blindspots and weaknesses. Together, we can benefit from the best everyone has to offer. Another concept introduced in this chapter is the importance of fire. Not only is it vital in the preparation of food, but it also serves as a convergence point of individuals with different experiences, talents, and insights. Fire serves as a bonding place, both in their prehistoric eras and now. This is one phenomenon that shows that our common needs bring us together.
*On my own note - fire brings us together and is a convergence point. The LORD often came as fire, in a burning bush. The Lord brings us together.*
More on chapter 1 - the authors introduce two major topics that they proceed with throughout the book: consciousness and culture. They insist that we need both, yet there is tension between them.
1) Consciousness: can be communicated; thoughts packaged for exchange. We as humans are aware of others' thoughts and species, moreso than any other species ever. (This is because we are made in the image of God and are special, but the authors don't know that :) Collective consciousness allows us to become better at problem-solving. We are made to work together.
2) Culture: traits shared and passed on from previous generations
Another important concept - Sucker's Folly - the tendency to act riskily for short-term gain when long-term is negative. This is certainly VITAL in today's society. We use products and resources constantly for gain without accounting for unknown side effects and issues. More on this in the chapters to come...
Continued : What is the human niche? Each species has their niche, but what of humans? Weinstein and Heying assert that the human niche is niche-switching. This is a reinforcement of the earlier principle that humans are very skilled at a wide variety of activities. Philosophically, they insist that "as our world becomes increasingly complex, though, the need for generalists grows. We need people who know things across domains, and who can make connections between them." I couldn't agree more, and the vitality of a strong liberal arts education is well-expressed here.
The rest of chapter 1 was a bit more irritating for me. As evolutionists, they have to find a meaning or striving point for our lives, but rather than asserting that our sole end is reproduction, they assert that lineal persistence is what is important. Essentially, they are saying that reproduction is not the end, considering parents want thriving children.
Their "omega principle" is illustrated in the following two maxims:
1) Epigenetic phenomena are evolutionarily superior to genetic phenomena in that they are more readily adaptable. Epigenetic regulators, such as culture, are superior to genes in that they are more flexible and can adapt quicker
2) Epigenetic phenomena are downstream of genetics, so ultimately, genetics are in control. Epigenetic regulators evolve to serve the genome
To back up real quick and define epigenetic, epigenetic = above the genome; used to refer to mechanisms which molecularly regulate the expression of the genome. Over time, this view has shifted from inherited to molecular switches. Essentially, this is the struggle between nature and nurture, to which the authors insist the answer is almost always both.
Ok, anyway, I ranted a lot about chapter 1. Onto chapter 2 -
Many commonalities are shared by humans. I could list commonalities, but I am sure you are more than capable of considering them yourself. Authors assert that "our differences are fascinating, but our similarities make us human."
Anyway, author proceeds to list a timeline of evolution "proven" by science that looks something like the following -
3.5 billion years ago - life began
2 billion years ago - eukaryotes
600 million years ago - animals
500 million years ago - vertebrates
380 million years ago - tetrapods
300 million years ago - amniotes
200 million years ago - mammals
100 million years ago - primates
25-30 million years ago - apes
6 million years ago - pan and homo split (chimp and human lines)
200 thousand years ago - humans
40 thousand years ago - humans become artists
10-12 thousand years ago - humans become farmers
9 thousand years ago - humans become city dwellers
150 thousand years ago - humans become industrialists
Ok, anyway I don't really agree with this timeline at all, but I'm not going to spend time trying to tear it apart. It's their belief, and that's fine with me. But to insist that the timeline takes no faith is ridiculous. Their goal was to rely on no faith but only pure science. Yeah, that's laughable when in chapter 2 they're already reverting to speculation and insisting evolution is a proven fact.
Chapter 3 - authors insist that industrialized societies raise the quality of life with some downfalls. I couldn't agree more. Basically, we have traded some autonomy and traditionalism for novelty and a wealthier standard of living. This chapter explores many of the issues with westernized societies, which they express as WEIRD (westernized, educated, industrialized, rich and democratic). Yeah, that's us. Anyway, they explore a range of topics including lactose intolerance, appendicitis, and the like. They also introduce the concept of Chesterton's fence, borrowed from a work of G.K. Chesterton's dating back to the mid-early 20th century. Basically, reforms should not be made to a system until the reasoning behind the current state is understood. Ex: scientists used to want to remove the large intestine because they didn't see the use in it. However, just because you do not know the use does not mean you should just remove it. Rather, doctors and scientists should investigate till they find a use. The authors insist that our bodies have everything for a reason as a result of evolution, while I maintain this principle because the Lord made us with parts for a reason. Additionally, authors assert that most of our issues (like appendicitis) are native to WEIRD countries and a result of our refusal to adopt Chesterton's fence. Basically, be wary of new practices when you don't know the side effects.
Chapter 4 - "The treatment of the vast majority of medical complaints with drugs, rather than with actual diagnosis, weakens the ability of the medical system even to do diagnosis. It also pollutes the data stream: who knows who is sick with what, and from what origin, if so many people are on pharmaceuticals with unknown side-effects."
Our society places too much stock in pharmaceutical drugs we know nothing about. Rather than tending to disease and illness, we shove people onto drugs, and then give them more drugs to counter the side effect. This is an issue. If something is too good to be true, it probably isn't. Pharma is just one industry with flawed numbers and data that are used to prove something that isn't proven. Remember Chesterton's fence.
Also establishes term "reductionism" - reducing to a few simple factors. That's not how it works. Medicine isn't a matter of a few things. We aren't all the same. Modern society uses drugs and numbers, but we are humans, not robots. I agree with the authors' assertion that we are not merely machines. They attribute this to evolution; I insist it is the fingerprint of God and the spirit within us that guides us in wisdom and direction.
Cause and symptom often confused - ex: sunscreen decreases odds of skin cancer, but decreased sun exposure spikes blood pressure. ex: vitamin D supplements, fluoride, antibiotics, etc. The problem, of course, is not the existence of reductionism, but its over-application. Our society suffers from this over-application of reductionism and we fail to think for ourselves.
Medicine is not merely a question of what solves short term problems, but what is best for our long-term health. The authors look back to our roots, and they say the best measures for health are moving every day, listening to our bodies, spending time in nature, going barefoot, and resisting pharmaceuticals. These open our minds to the sensory perception our bodies are made for.
Chapter 5 is about diet - no fixed and universal answer. Food is not merely about survival, and the best answer is real food. Again, a discussion of the importance of fire and how food creates community. Basically, don't make eating all about calories and processed nutrients. Focus on eating real food and finding what is best for you. We aren't machines.
Chapter 6 - Sleep - every animal sleeps. They assert this is because it's impossible to have an eye perfectly suited for night and day. I assert that it's because the Lord made us both to rest and to live. Regardless, if we did not sleep, they suggest we would spend 1/3 of the day useless. The Lord could have made us to work all the time, but he didn't. Anyway - REM takes our consciousness. To sleep between, regulate our light spectrum. Artificial light and the absence of natural darkness has majorly affected our sleep patterns. The authors also insist we should go to sleep early enough to wake up by the sun in our windows.
Chapter 7 - Sex and Gender - Difference between the sexes are a reality, which is often a strength. Again, we are better together. The authors analyze some of the biological and physical differences between men and women. They also emphasize that there is a difference between acting feminine/engaging in "feminine" activities and actually being a female (and vice versa for males.) Another interesting fact is that the breasts of all other species disappear when they are unneeded, but for humans they stick around. Again, this is the Lord's gift, but they merely note it as an observation. Further, division of labor is often employed because of the natural differences between men and women. Throughout history, men have most often worked out of the home, and women have most often cared for the children. This is not an absolute necessity, but it is often natural and helpful.
Chapter 8 - Parenthood and Relationship - they claim that love began with a mother and child. Not sure why exactly they think the original mothers would care about their children if the universe is without a point? Why would anyone care about generational persistence? Anyway, whatever. They claim sex in marriage alone is more beneficial for society for a wide variety of reasons, and they explore various cultural and ethnic phenomena.
Chapter 9 - Childhood - humans have the longest childhoods on earth, and we have far more neurons than we use. *Think about the potential we have and were made to have - the first humans, Adam and Eve, probably utilized ALL these neurons. Wow* Children learn through observation and experiences, and they often learn from many people: siblings, friends, other adults, parents, etc. WEIRD parents are too focused on metrics and often do not free their kids to explore and play and fail. Quit putting bandages on every little bump or bruise and let the kids play. Play is vital. Also, an exploration of autism - asserting cause-effect relationship between digital interfaces/screens/objects. Developmental delays are ok; quit focusing on metrics and love your kids. Let them grow and learn.
Chapter 10 - Education - "The primary goal of real education is not to deliver facts but to guide students to the truths that will allow them to take responsibility for their lives." School is a very new concept. For many skills, school is unnecessary. For some, like reading and writing, some level of instruction is necessary. It is far more difficult to teach critical thinking, logic, and creativity than memory and recall. Anyway, with modern education, "parenting has been outsourced." Education should not rely on fear - fear causes tidy lines and medicated kids and silent students. Fear is what we are built on in our modern systems. "There are new things under the sun, but the fate of every generation is to think it arrived too late, that everything is understood and that the best response is total nihilist disarray." They assert two principles are important: 1) that you are competing with others for your grade 2) learning only happens at this one time of the day.
Chapter 11 - "evolutionary truths" rants again. Yeah, right. Ok. Anyway, four categories of people: con artists, confused, advise that works for them, universally applicable. Basically, a rant about how science is the only truth and everything else is in those other three categories and blah blah blah.
Chapter 12 - a return to culture and consciousness. In times of stability, they assert that culture reigns, but in times of exploration and expansion, consciousness reigns. Reflection on the Asch conformity experiments - literally false, metaphorically true - basically means that something may not be the only way but it provides a standard that synchronizes people.
Chapter 13 - Humans are obsessed with growth, thinking that growth goes on forever, but it doesn't. The result is a boom and bust cycle. We have four major resources (according to them) - 1) Geographic (unchartered territory) which is almost gone; 2) Technological innovations : just remember Chesterton's fence and be wary; 3) Transfers : basically seizing other people's things; 4) Consciousness: we can engineer indefinitely.
Just because you can doesn't mean you should.
"Let us not romanticize any people or period. Let us instead understand humanity holistically, and work to provide opportunity equally to everyone going forward." (A little socialist, maybe??) Yeah, suspicions confirmed - establishes they are liberals by the WEIRD term, and they understand that the blindspots of liberals are diminishing returns and unintended cons, while the cons of conservatives are negative externalities and underestimating finite resources. Every society has to pick a set of values, and freedom and justice cannot both be maximized here on earth. BUT JESUS CAN
Epilogue establishes their family celebrates a sort of evolutionary Hanukkah. Bruh.
The authors, Heather Heying and Bret Weinstein, are married, and it struck me a little weird that they wrote about themselves in third person when employing personal anecdotes throughout the novel. However, I understand and struggle to think of a better method considering both are authors and the first person is illogical. Anyway, enough with that irrelevant rant.
The introduction established that the book is aimed at solving human paradoxes without faith. Essentially, why we cry, why we love, why we feel others' emotions, and what makes us different from other living beings all around the world. The authors certainly revere the concept of being human and recognize the uniqueness of our species. Regardless, I couldn't help but mutter to myself, "good luck" when they insisted they would provide an evolutionary fact-set that explains human paradoxes without faith.
In chapter 1, the authors discussed their worldview regarding Beringia (supposed land bridge between Russia and Alaska) and their belief that many lived there when it melted, faced with the decision to travel east into an unknown land (North America) or return west to previously inhabited land. Further, using this story and others, they insist that humans thrive in groups, and the best groups are those with non-overlapping blind spots. Additionally, they establish one of their major themes, which carries throughout the entire book - homo sapiens are exceptional because we are jacks of all trades and masters as well. Not only are we skilled in a variety of disciplines; we are masters of them as well. Out natural proclivities toward certain skills make us better together. Alone, we have many blindspots and weaknesses. Together, we can benefit from the best everyone has to offer. Another concept introduced in this chapter is the importance of fire. Not only is it vital in the preparation of food, but it also serves as a convergence point of individuals with different experiences, talents, and insights. Fire serves as a bonding place, both in their prehistoric eras and now. This is one phenomenon that shows that our common needs bring us together.
*On my own note - fire brings us together and is a convergence point. The LORD often came as fire, in a burning bush. The Lord brings us together.*
More on chapter 1 - the authors introduce two major topics that they proceed with throughout the book: consciousness and culture. They insist that we need both, yet there is tension between them.
1) Consciousness: can be communicated; thoughts packaged for exchange. We as humans are aware of others' thoughts and species, moreso than any other species ever. (This is because we are made in the image of God and are special, but the authors don't know that :) Collective consciousness allows us to become better at problem-solving. We are made to work together.
2) Culture: traits shared and passed on from previous generations
Another important concept - Sucker's Folly - the tendency to act riskily for short-term gain when long-term is negative. This is certainly VITAL in today's society. We use products and resources constantly for gain without accounting for unknown side effects and issues. More on this in the chapters to come...
Continued : What is the human niche? Each species has their niche, but what of humans? Weinstein and Heying assert that the human niche is niche-switching. This is a reinforcement of the earlier principle that humans are very skilled at a wide variety of activities. Philosophically, they insist that "as our world becomes increasingly complex, though, the need for generalists grows. We need people who know things across domains, and who can make connections between them." I couldn't agree more, and the vitality of a strong liberal arts education is well-expressed here.
The rest of chapter 1 was a bit more irritating for me. As evolutionists, they have to find a meaning or striving point for our lives, but rather than asserting that our sole end is reproduction, they assert that lineal persistence is what is important. Essentially, they are saying that reproduction is not the end, considering parents want thriving children.
Their "omega principle" is illustrated in the following two maxims:
1) Epigenetic phenomena are evolutionarily superior to genetic phenomena in that they are more readily adaptable. Epigenetic regulators, such as culture, are superior to genes in that they are more flexible and can adapt quicker
2) Epigenetic phenomena are downstream of genetics, so ultimately, genetics are in control. Epigenetic regulators evolve to serve the genome
To back up real quick and define epigenetic, epigenetic = above the genome; used to refer to mechanisms which molecularly regulate the expression of the genome. Over time, this view has shifted from inherited to molecular switches. Essentially, this is the struggle between nature and nurture, to which the authors insist the answer is almost always both.
Ok, anyway, I ranted a lot about chapter 1. Onto chapter 2 -
Many commonalities are shared by humans. I could list commonalities, but I am sure you are more than capable of considering them yourself. Authors assert that "our differences are fascinating, but our similarities make us human."
Anyway, author proceeds to list a timeline of evolution "proven" by science that looks something like the following -
3.5 billion years ago - life began
2 billion years ago - eukaryotes
600 million years ago - animals
500 million years ago - vertebrates
380 million years ago - tetrapods
300 million years ago - amniotes
200 million years ago - mammals
100 million years ago - primates
25-30 million years ago - apes
6 million years ago - pan and homo split (chimp and human lines)
200 thousand years ago - humans
40 thousand years ago - humans become artists
10-12 thousand years ago - humans become farmers
9 thousand years ago - humans become city dwellers
150 thousand years ago - humans become industrialists
Ok, anyway I don't really agree with this timeline at all, but I'm not going to spend time trying to tear it apart. It's their belief, and that's fine with me. But to insist that the timeline takes no faith is ridiculous. Their goal was to rely on no faith but only pure science. Yeah, that's laughable when in chapter 2 they're already reverting to speculation and insisting evolution is a proven fact.
Chapter 3 - authors insist that industrialized societies raise the quality of life with some downfalls. I couldn't agree more. Basically, we have traded some autonomy and traditionalism for novelty and a wealthier standard of living. This chapter explores many of the issues with westernized societies, which they express as WEIRD (westernized, educated, industrialized, rich and democratic). Yeah, that's us. Anyway, they explore a range of topics including lactose intolerance, appendicitis, and the like. They also introduce the concept of Chesterton's fence, borrowed from a work of G.K. Chesterton's dating back to the mid-early 20th century. Basically, reforms should not be made to a system until the reasoning behind the current state is understood. Ex: scientists used to want to remove the large intestine because they didn't see the use in it. However, just because you do not know the use does not mean you should just remove it. Rather, doctors and scientists should investigate till they find a use. The authors insist that our bodies have everything for a reason as a result of evolution, while I maintain this principle because the Lord made us with parts for a reason. Additionally, authors assert that most of our issues (like appendicitis) are native to WEIRD countries and a result of our refusal to adopt Chesterton's fence. Basically, be wary of new practices when you don't know the side effects.
Chapter 4 - "The treatment of the vast majority of medical complaints with drugs, rather than with actual diagnosis, weakens the ability of the medical system even to do diagnosis. It also pollutes the data stream: who knows who is sick with what, and from what origin, if so many people are on pharmaceuticals with unknown side-effects."
Our society places too much stock in pharmaceutical drugs we know nothing about. Rather than tending to disease and illness, we shove people onto drugs, and then give them more drugs to counter the side effect. This is an issue. If something is too good to be true, it probably isn't. Pharma is just one industry with flawed numbers and data that are used to prove something that isn't proven. Remember Chesterton's fence.
Also establishes term "reductionism" - reducing to a few simple factors. That's not how it works. Medicine isn't a matter of a few things. We aren't all the same. Modern society uses drugs and numbers, but we are humans, not robots. I agree with the authors' assertion that we are not merely machines. They attribute this to evolution; I insist it is the fingerprint of God and the spirit within us that guides us in wisdom and direction.
Cause and symptom often confused - ex: sunscreen decreases odds of skin cancer, but decreased sun exposure spikes blood pressure. ex: vitamin D supplements, fluoride, antibiotics, etc. The problem, of course, is not the existence of reductionism, but its over-application. Our society suffers from this over-application of reductionism and we fail to think for ourselves.
Medicine is not merely a question of what solves short term problems, but what is best for our long-term health. The authors look back to our roots, and they say the best measures for health are moving every day, listening to our bodies, spending time in nature, going barefoot, and resisting pharmaceuticals. These open our minds to the sensory perception our bodies are made for.
Chapter 5 is about diet - no fixed and universal answer. Food is not merely about survival, and the best answer is real food. Again, a discussion of the importance of fire and how food creates community. Basically, don't make eating all about calories and processed nutrients. Focus on eating real food and finding what is best for you. We aren't machines.
Chapter 6 - Sleep - every animal sleeps. They assert this is because it's impossible to have an eye perfectly suited for night and day. I assert that it's because the Lord made us both to rest and to live. Regardless, if we did not sleep, they suggest we would spend 1/3 of the day useless. The Lord could have made us to work all the time, but he didn't. Anyway - REM takes our consciousness. To sleep between, regulate our light spectrum. Artificial light and the absence of natural darkness has majorly affected our sleep patterns. The authors also insist we should go to sleep early enough to wake up by the sun in our windows.
Chapter 7 - Sex and Gender - Difference between the sexes are a reality, which is often a strength. Again, we are better together. The authors analyze some of the biological and physical differences between men and women. They also emphasize that there is a difference between acting feminine/engaging in "feminine" activities and actually being a female (and vice versa for males.) Another interesting fact is that the breasts of all other species disappear when they are unneeded, but for humans they stick around. Again, this is the Lord's gift, but they merely note it as an observation. Further, division of labor is often employed because of the natural differences between men and women. Throughout history, men have most often worked out of the home, and women have most often cared for the children. This is not an absolute necessity, but it is often natural and helpful.
Chapter 8 - Parenthood and Relationship - they claim that love began with a mother and child. Not sure why exactly they think the original mothers would care about their children if the universe is without a point? Why would anyone care about generational persistence? Anyway, whatever. They claim sex in marriage alone is more beneficial for society for a wide variety of reasons, and they explore various cultural and ethnic phenomena.
Chapter 9 - Childhood - humans have the longest childhoods on earth, and we have far more neurons than we use. *Think about the potential we have and were made to have - the first humans, Adam and Eve, probably utilized ALL these neurons. Wow* Children learn through observation and experiences, and they often learn from many people: siblings, friends, other adults, parents, etc. WEIRD parents are too focused on metrics and often do not free their kids to explore and play and fail. Quit putting bandages on every little bump or bruise and let the kids play. Play is vital. Also, an exploration of autism - asserting cause-effect relationship between digital interfaces/screens/objects. Developmental delays are ok; quit focusing on metrics and love your kids. Let them grow and learn.
Chapter 10 - Education - "The primary goal of real education is not to deliver facts but to guide students to the truths that will allow them to take responsibility for their lives." School is a very new concept. For many skills, school is unnecessary. For some, like reading and writing, some level of instruction is necessary. It is far more difficult to teach critical thinking, logic, and creativity than memory and recall. Anyway, with modern education, "parenting has been outsourced." Education should not rely on fear - fear causes tidy lines and medicated kids and silent students. Fear is what we are built on in our modern systems. "There are new things under the sun, but the fate of every generation is to think it arrived too late, that everything is understood and that the best response is total nihilist disarray." They assert two principles are important: 1) that you are competing with others for your grade 2) learning only happens at this one time of the day.
Chapter 11 - "evolutionary truths" rants again. Yeah, right. Ok. Anyway, four categories of people: con artists, confused, advise that works for them, universally applicable. Basically, a rant about how science is the only truth and everything else is in those other three categories and blah blah blah.
Chapter 12 - a return to culture and consciousness. In times of stability, they assert that culture reigns, but in times of exploration and expansion, consciousness reigns. Reflection on the Asch conformity experiments - literally false, metaphorically true - basically means that something may not be the only way but it provides a standard that synchronizes people.
Chapter 13 - Humans are obsessed with growth, thinking that growth goes on forever, but it doesn't. The result is a boom and bust cycle. We have four major resources (according to them) - 1) Geographic (unchartered territory) which is almost gone; 2) Technological innovations : just remember Chesterton's fence and be wary; 3) Transfers : basically seizing other people's things; 4) Consciousness: we can engineer indefinitely.
Just because you can doesn't mean you should.
"Let us not romanticize any people or period. Let us instead understand humanity holistically, and work to provide opportunity equally to everyone going forward." (A little socialist, maybe??) Yeah, suspicions confirmed - establishes they are liberals by the WEIRD term, and they understand that the blindspots of liberals are diminishing returns and unintended cons, while the cons of conservatives are negative externalities and underestimating finite resources. Every society has to pick a set of values, and freedom and justice cannot both be maximized here on earth. BUT JESUS CAN
Epilogue establishes their family celebrates a sort of evolutionary Hanukkah. Bruh.