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> Cheating maximizes the benefit to that individual. But possibly damages the collective. It would seem like a species that has a language would greatly benefi
by troupe 3y ago
> Cheating maximizes the benefit to that individual. But possibly damages the collective.
It would seem like a species that has a language would greatly benefit from having individuals with more years of experience on how to handle infrequent events like droughts, floods, abnormal animal migrations, etc.
- pmontra 3y agoYes, but only as long as they can still communicate and as long as there are no younger experts with comparable experience, if not more up to date, and better motor and communication skills. That puts some limit to useful age.
- cassepipe 3y agoAnd we have. The lifespan of the human individual past its reproductive prime is already impressive. The fact that we take care of our elders instead of just let them die suggest could be a evolutional spandrel but the fact that age and wisdom are associated (at least in "primitive" societies) is a testament to how much of cultural species we are, that is with an unprecedented ability to transmit knowledge necessary for our survival.