Humans: Why They Triumphed

"The process of cumulative innovation that has doubled life span, cut child mortality by three-quarters and multiplied per capita income ninefold—world-wide—in little more than a century is driven by ideas having sex." --courtesy of http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703691804575254533386933138.html

courtesy of http://si.wsj.net/public/resources/images/PT-AO773_EVOLUT_F_20100521192057.jpg

This article suggests that all of the glorious innovation seemed to evolve radically since 45,000 years ago. And the most fascinating mystery was it all started from Africa.

 "Why it happened in Africa remains a puzzle, but Steve Kuhn and Mary Stiner of the University of Arizona have argued that for some reason only Africans had invented a sexual division of labor between male hunters and female gatherers—the most basic of all trades."

Going with this theory that human interactions have spurred the modernization.  The author also mentioned that, “An auspicious mutation so that people could speak, thinks or plan better, setting the human race on the path to continuous and exponential innovation.”

The author compares the ideology of having sex in human with trade in culture. –“Trade is to culture as sex is to biology.” Without mating, the best genes won’t be here today. From trade and exchanges, human have advanced to the unimaginable level. I wonder if the most advanced innovation from the most notably place in the world, Silicon Valley, has anything to do with the diversity we have.  –Best human mutations? Perhaps?

The author uses the example that “Nobody—literally nobody—knows how to make the pencil on my desk.” –True! It takes more than one person to make it. In some cases, it requires thousands and thousands of people to make one thing. And another case could be millions, according to the author.

Do you know before iPhone, there was one from GO, then another one from General Magic and last but not the least from Palm. So, innovation is indeed collective “enterprise that relies on exchange.”

I hope you enjoy our little visit to “Innovation.” It is our privilege to live in this era where innovation has been its best. I came across this quote from Margaret J. Wheatley,

"Innovation is fostered by information gathered from new connections; from insights gained by journeys into other disciplines or places; from active, collegial networks and fluid, open boundaries. Innovation arises from ongoing circles of exchange, where information is not just accumulated or stored, but created. Knowledge is generated anew from connections that weren't there before.”

Now the question is, have you exchange your ideas lately? In another words, Have you done your trade lately?

Until next stop,
Journey of Life