Tradition is Smarter Than You Are: The Power of Cultural Evolution and Inherited Practices in Human Survival and Success

Tradition is Smarter Than You Are: The Power of Cultural Evolution and Inherited Practices in Human Survival and Success

In his thought-provoking article, "Tradition is Smarter Than You Are," the author explores the idea that humans are not as intelligent as we believe ourselves to be. He argues that our success as a species is not solely attributed to our ability to problem solve, analyze, and develop innovative solutions. Instead, he suggests that our survival and prosperity are heavily influenced by the cultural evolution and practices that have been passed down to us from previous generations.

The author presents a compelling example of a mother who refuses to adhere to the traditions and practices of her culture in favor of her own logic and reasoning. However, this decision ultimately leads to sickness and early death for members of her family. This illustrates the notion that cultural evolution is often much smarter than we are as individuals. These complex repertoires of traditions and customs have been finely tuned over generations to meet the specific challenges of their environments.

One fascinating example that the author provides is the phenomenon of bird augury. This practice involves observing the behavior of birds to predict future events or make important decisions. While this may seem irrational or superstitious to some, it is actually a cultural adaptation that has proven to be beneficial in certain contexts. Additionally, the author highlights the advantage of randomizing garden locations in rice cultivation, which has been shown to yield better results than relying solely on rational decision-making or copying others' behavior.

The central argument of the article is that the traditions and practices we inherit have been subject to Darwinian selection. They have stood the test of time because they are adaptive and contribute to our survival and success as a collective. It is important to note that those who follow these traditions often do not fully understand why they work. In some cases, knowing the intricate details of how a tradition functions may actually diminish its efficacy. This challenges the notion that behaviors must always be backed by explicable and declarable reasons.

Furthermore, the author delves into the concept of legibility, which is the ability of the state to understand the population it governs. Legibility requires uniformity and often overlooks the tacit knowledge and messy complexities that contribute to a society's success. As our world rapidly changes, traditional customs and practices are fading away. Rationalism has become the dominant tool in our quest for happiness and success. However, it is essential to recognize the value and wisdom that tradition holds.

Taking inspiration from these insights, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace and respect the traditions and practices inherited from previous generations. Recognize that they have evolved over time to meet specific challenges and contribute to our survival and success as a society.

2. Broaden your knowledge and study multiple disciplines. Like self-made billionaire Charlie Munger, who applied insights from various fields to his investing strategies, learning from different disciplines can provide a broader perspective and enhance problem-solving abilities.

3. Challenge the assumption that behaviors must always have explicable reasons. Sometimes, the most effective practices are not fully understood. Trust in the wisdom of cultural evolution and the power of inherited traditions.

In conclusion, tradition is indeed smarter than we are. Our success as humans is intricately tied to the cultural evolution and practices that have been passed down to us. While rational thinking and problem-solving skills are important, they are not the sole drivers of our survival and prosperity. By recognizing the value of tradition, embracing diverse knowledge, and understanding the limitations of our own reasoning, we can navigate the complexities of our ever-changing world with greater wisdom and success.