The Power of Collective Learning: How Humans Got Smart and Thrived

The Power of Collective Learning: How Humans Got Smart and Thrived

Humans are undeniably the most intelligent species on the planet, but have you ever wondered how we got to be so smart? In a thought-provoking article by Bill Gates titled "How did humans get smart?", he explores the concept of a "cognitive revolution" that took place approximately 70,000 years ago. This revolution allowed Homo sapiens to spread from East Africa across the planet, giving them a significant edge over their rivals.

Gates's discussion on the cognitive revolution reminded me of David Christian's notion of "collective learning" in Big History. Collective learning refers to our ability as humans to share, store, and build upon information, which truly distinguishes us from other species. It is this ability that has allowed us to thrive and dominate the world.

One fascinating aspect of Homo sapiens is our unique ability to unite millions of strangers around common myths. Ideas such as freedom, human rights, gods, laws, and capitalism exist solely in our imaginations, yet they have the power to bind us together and motivate us to cooperate on complex tasks. Our imaginations are truly a special ability that has shaped the course of human history.

Furthermore, it is important to challenge the notion that the shift to agriculture was a "mistake." While it is true that this shift had its downsides, such as increased inequality and the spread of diseases, it also brought about significant advancements. Farming societies were able to specialize, leading to the development of written languages, new technologies, and art – all of which are highly valued in our society today.

Building upon the concept of collective learning, an article by Farnam Street titled "How to Choose Your Next Book" highlights the importance of careful book selection in improving our Reading Return on Invested Time (RROIT). The Lindy Effect, which states that things that have been around for a longer time are more likely to continue to be around, is a useful tool for filtering out good quality information from the vast sea of books available to us.

Getting back to basics is a key element of effective thinking. Understanding the fundamentals of any subject may seem boring, but it is the foundation upon which complex ideas are built. When we deeply understand a simple idea, we create lasting knowledge and gain the ability to predict what matters. Those who grasp the basics are better equipped to understand second and subsequent order consequences.

The Lindy Effect is a fascinating concept that aligns with our understanding of the importance of basics. It suggests that the longer something has been around, the longer we can expect it to survive. This is particularly true for non-perishable things like books, which increase in value and relevance with each passing day. The older a book is, the more exponentially valuable it becomes.

In conclusion, the power of collective learning has played a crucial role in making humans the intelligent and successful species we are today. Our ability to share, store, and build upon information has allowed us to thrive and dominate the world. When it comes to choosing books to read, it is important to get back to basics and focus on building a solid foundation of knowledge. The Lindy Effect can be a useful tool in filtering out valuable information that stands the test of time. So, take a simple idea seriously, understand the basics deeply, and embrace the timeless wisdom that older books have to offer. By doing so, we can continue to expand our knowledge and make better decisions in an ever-changing world.