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Aren’t humans naturally hierarchical? If alien biologists were studying humans, I think that’s what they would conclude. Hermits exist, of course, but most hum

Aren’t humans naturally hierarchical? If alien biologists were studying humans, I think that’s what they would conclude. Hermits exist, of course, but most humans look down on them and consider them strange.

reader_mode 6y ago
Yeah, a reason founders could be seen as happier in this regard could be that they are climbing the hierarchy while employed ones are set in place but that doesn't mean hierarchical structure is unnatural, I find authority almost instinctual.
cambalache 6y ago
Define naturally I would argue the opposite. How long do you want to establish human history? Let's say 300k years, for more than 90% of that time the small hunter-gatherer groups were in the opposite extreme from the giant pyramidal institutions of modern day.
- deleted 6y ago
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- arthurofbabylon 6y ago
  That is increasingly suggested to be incorrect by anthropologists and evolutionary biologists focused on human development. It’s now understood that prestige and hierarchy played a fundamental role in shaping the mechanics of human culture, starting at the beginning of the distinguishing of Homo sapiens. A mind-blowing book on the subject I recommend: “The Secret of our Success: How culture is driving human evolution, domesticating our species, and making us smarter” by Joseph Henrich.
  - cambalache 6y ago
    > It’s now understood that prestige and hierarchy played a fundamental role in shaping the mechanics of human culture, starting at the beginning of the distinguishing of Homo sapiens. This is too vague and general too have any value. Specially considering that anything older than the iron age is subjected to pure speculation.
watwut 6y ago
Humans are quite adaptable. We do build both hierarchical and flat cultures. And some situations call for hierarchical structure while others put flat one at advantage. But, generally, people who are not accountable to anyone often end up not performing well.

reader_mode 6y ago

Yeah, a reason founders could be seen as happier in this regard could be that they are climbing the hierarchy while employed ones are set in place but that doesn't mean hierarchical structure is unnatural, I find authority almost instinctual.

cambalache 6y ago

Define naturally I would argue the opposite. How long do you want to establish human history? Let's say 300k years, for more than 90% of that time the small hunter-gatherer groups were in the opposite extreme from the giant pyramidal institutions of modern day.

deleted 6y ago
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arthurofbabylon 6y ago
That is increasingly suggested to be incorrect by anthropologists and evolutionary biologists focused on human development. It’s now understood that prestige and hierarchy played a fundamental role in shaping the mechanics of human culture, starting at the beginning of the distinguishing of Homo sapiens. A mind-blowing book on the subject I recommend: “The Secret of our Success: How culture is driving human evolution, domesticating our species, and making us smarter” by Joseph Henrich.
- cambalache 6y ago
  > It’s now understood that prestige and hierarchy played a fundamental role in shaping the mechanics of human culture, starting at the beginning of the distinguishing of Homo sapiens. This is too vague and general too have any value. Specially considering that anything older than the iron age is subjected to pure speculation.

watwut 6y ago

Humans are quite adaptable. We do build both hierarchical and flat cultures. And some situations call for hierarchical structure while others put flat one at advantage. But, generally, people who are not accountable to anyone often end up not performing well.