kitchen table math, the sequel: today's factoid

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

today's factoid

One theory to explain how human altruism evolved involves the way we interacted as groups early in our evolution. Towards the end of the Pleistocene period – about 12,000 years ago – humans foraged for food as hunter-gatherers. These groups competed against each other for survival.

The archaeological and ethnographic data [Bowles] used showed that 13% to 15% of foragers died from wars, which were common between groups.

source:
Why altruism paid off for our ancestors


I find this oddly comforting.

1 comment:

Catherine Johnson said...

Actually, I especially like the idea that altruism is intmately connected with war.

I suspect it's true.