How language and cooperation shaped our world and human society.
Discover how language transformed from simple signals to complex communication, enabling us to cooperate, create cultures, and build civilizations. We explore the evolution of human imagination, the role of gossip, the development of societal morals, and the paradoxical nature of human violence and compassion.
Additionally, we discuss the future of communication technology and the potential mind-blowing implications of brain-computer interfaces. Packed with insights from anthropology, psychology, and neuroscience, this episode provides a comprehensive understanding of our past and a glimpse into our possible future.
ABOUT
How to Change the World is an independent podcast documenting the entire history of innovation. One world-changing event at a time. Building a map of the past and blueprint for the future.
Written, edited, recorded, and produced entirely by Sam Webster Harris.
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REFERENCES
(Out of space)
CHAPTERS
00:00 The magic of co-operation
02:26 Welcome
05:09 The Compression problem
08:50 ACT 1 - COGNITIVE BASIS OF LANGUAGE
08:50 Biological history of languages
13:46 The Interconnected Brain
17:24 Complex words and stuff
21:11 Teamwork
22:08 ACT 2 - GOSSIP, MYTHS & RELIGION
22:08 Gossip and the glue of society
25:46 Myths and shared delusions
30:40 Early Religions - Animism, art and penises
33:37 ACT 3 - SELF-DOMESTICATION
33:43 Shame and Blushing
38:30 The Execution Hypothesis
43:21 Reactive vs Proactive Violence
46:55 Mealtimes Sharing and small town thinking
52:12 ACT 4 - EVOLUTIONS OF LANGUAGE
52:12 Language shifts
55:59 Shame and Society
58:49 Evolution of communication
01:01:33 Magical Wizard Hats (Brain Computer Interfaces)
01:03:58 Potential Limitations
01:07:38 Predicting the future
01:09:47 WRAP UP
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