Paleolithic Emotions, Medieval Institutions, and Godlike Technology
Navigating the Modern World with Edward O. Wilson’s Insight
Deepak R
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Published in
ILLUMINATION
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4 min read
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Sep 19, 2023
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Photo by Mikhail Nilov on Pexels
The eminent sociobiologist Edward O. Wilson remarked that humanity is characterized by “Paleolithic emotions, medieval institutions, and godlike technology,” and I believe he succinctly captured the profound paradox of our times.
As we journey through the 21st century, Wilson’s words echo louder, their implications more profound, and the need to understand them more pressing.
Paleolithic Emotions: The Heart of Our Ancestral Past
Our emotions, in many ways, have remained unchanged since the days of our caveman ancestors. Fear, love, envy, joy — the core feelings that drive human behavior — have their roots deep in our evolutionary past.
We’re hardwired to respond to threats, to forge bonds, and to seek out resources, just as our ancestors did on the ancient savannas.
In today’s world, these emotions play out in different arenas. The adrenaline rush from a close call in traffic isn’t far removed from the relief our ancestors felt after evading a predator.
Our desire for social validation on platforms like Instagram taps into the same need for…
