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POPSCULTURAL EVOLUTION We are finally starting to understand the patterns of culture change and the role of natural selection in shaping them. And since everything from weapons of mass destruction to global heating are the results of changes in human culture over time, acquiring a fundamental understanding of cultural evolution just might be the key to saving civilization from itself.
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POPSGet Out of Your Own Way Conscious thought may well be largely overrated according to some of these studies. Alternatively, however, perhaps we do not fully understand the function of consciousness. For example, perhaps it is important in reflective thought which is not time bound and goal oriented. Some of our most profound thought processes of self description and self definition, might be of such kind. At any case, in matters of clear cut decision making and choice, consciousness seems to be more of a disturbing factor than anything else.