Opinion: Evolution has made us short-term thinkers

Adolf Hitler's dream of a master race was ludicrous. But humans generally (and wrongly) tend to regard their species as exceptional

CHARLES Darwin's insights into natural selection and gene theory have often been misinterpreted since they were first published in 1859.

The eugenics movement and Hitler's Third Reich took their misinterpretations of Darwin to the extreme. Hitler's belief in a master race is ludicrous in its misunderstanding of natural selection.

We overlook the impact of evolutionary instincts on human reality at our peril. Evolutionary instincts play a key role in our daily behaviours. This could ultimately prove deadly for our species.

We have a remarkable belief in our exceptionalism as a species. That we are unique as a "chosen species." This implies that many of the rules of nature don't really apply to us.
Yet evolutionary theory does not suggest this at all. Evolution suggests species thrive or decline or disappear based on their adaptability to their environment through the process of natural selection of genes.

There is no superior gene pool apart from that which survives. There is no divine plan in this process. No eventual master race. Evolution is a continuous process with no defined end point. It is endlessly fascinating, but amoral and uncaring in how it plays out.

Human evolutionary instincts have proved remarkably successful in allowing our species of ape and its unique gene set to prosper during our very short existence in this universe.

But there are aspects of our evolutionary instincts that could threaten our survival as a species. We are notoriously tribal in how we function and define ourselves. This is likely a legacy of our lengthy history as clan-based hunter gathers. Being part of a group was essential to survival.

In the modern era this tribalism plays out in the self interest of countries. It has led to repeated failures to address global issues such as climate change, refugees, wars, resource depletion and economic calamities. Nations have a tendency to put themselves first. Policies to address global issues often flounder on the shoals of national self interest.

Peter Lyons teaches economics at St Peter's College in Epsom, Auckland

We are living in an age where some global leaders bear a remarkable resemblance to less developed primates. Their intense tribalism suggests their fur is only recently shed.

Humans are usually well attuned to the nuances and benefits of cooperation versus competition. This is part of our evolutionary make up. But this awareness is often lacking at the global level. The golden period of international co-operation was the post war period from 1945 to the 1970s. This period saw the establishment of the Breton Woods system of international economic management. It also saw the establishment of the United Nations. But this period was the legacy of two world wars, the Great Depression and the shared threat of communism.

Let's hope it doesn't require such wholesale tragedies for renewed efforts towards global co-operation. To rely on the goodwill, cooperation and far sightedness of current political leaders invites disaster. Any meaningful change will have to come from the grassroots and a greater awareness of human reality.

*Peter Lyons teaches economics at St Peter's College in Epsom and is writing a text called The Economist's Secret Handbook.