[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.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?From personal pressures to global forces, we trace the blocks on human development. The answers hold many insights for today when we think about innovation and how to make progress..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.It is written, recorded, re-recorded, rewritten and re-re-recorded entirely by Sam Webster Harris.He also makes the music.Designs were crafted by Francisca Correia.Chapters: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 examples35:39 Eurasia vs America Development37:45 #5 - Population Density39:20 Evolution of Multicellular Life41:48 Dunbars Number43:43 Mortality Rates46:37 Historical demographics48:18 Lessons - How we beat the 5 locks51:47 Conclusion - Innovation isn't about Geniuses54:36 REFLECTIONS - Innovation cycles57:43 Modern Innovation Blockers01:06:01 What can you do Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.