[Stone Age] - Innovation Locks: The 5 Progress Blockers for 97% of Human History

What lies at the core of human progress? This episode sets the scene for all human innovation.For 3.5 million years, humans and our ancestors were stuck in the Stone Age until 10,000 years ago we finally broke out of it and all manner of invention was let loose.We study tribal life across the world from anthropological records and archeology to reconstruct the lifestyle of our ancestors and the forces against them. From personal pressures to global currents, we trace the blocks on human development. The answers hold many insights for today when we think about innovation and how to make progress..We cover:What were we busy with for 97% of our existence?Why were we so slow at innovating?How did we eventually overcome these fundamental forces?This episode is ground zero as we begin our expedition through history and the creation of our modern world.ABOUTThis show is an independent podcast on a mission to document the most important inventions in history in chronological order. We hope you join us for the ride to learn how the world changes.It is written, recorded, re-recorded, rewritten and re-re-recorded entirely by Sam Webster Harris.(He also makes the music.)Find out more or contact the show - ChangeTheWorldPod.comDesigns were crafted by Francisca Correia (Available to hire)Podcast strategy from Jeremy Enns (Available to hire)BOOKSThe World Until Yesterday: What we can learn from traditional societies - Jared DiamondAn overview of the world last uncontacted tribes and their ways of live compared to today.Don't Sleep, There Are Snakes: Life and language in the Amazonia jungle - Daniel L. EverettAstonishing experiences and discoveries by missionary Daniel Everett in the Amazon jungle in 1977CHAPTERS:00:00 The Hand Axe Conundrum01:53 Episode Goals03:45 #1 - SURVIVAL04:21 Energy requirements06:30 Time Scarcity08:59 Risk and Psychological Safety11:17 #2 - CULTURE12:41 Why people hate new ideas15:25 The Grandmother Hypothesis16:21 Widowhood statistics17:46 Kaulong Tribe Widow killing19:27 Catalhayuk - 1000 years of stasis20:36 #3 - KNOWLEDGE22:42 Losing knowledge24:04 Maths24:52 Communication and Language25:53 Ice Age Picasso Paradox27:06 #4 - MOBILITY CONSTRAINTS28:05 Nomadism30:22 Racism, war, and travel complications32:07 Trade Issues34:02 Feasting examples35:51 #5 - POPULATION DENSITY37:27 Evolution of Multicellular Life39:54 Dunbars Number41:25 Mortality Rates42:46 Systems Feedback effects44:31 LESSONS - How we beat the locks48:00 Conclusion - Innovation isn't about Geniuses50:50 What can you do Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.