The Curse of Adaptation

Humans possess a significantly larger neocortex than any other mammal. As such, for many years, it was the commonly held view in the science community that intelligence is the primary feature that separated us from other animals.

That view has changed over the past few decades. It turns out, the actual feature that puts us at the top of the animal hierarchy is adaptability. In fact, anthropologists often emphasize that humans are among the most adaptable creatures on Earth. While many animals have evolved to thrive in specific environments, we humans possess a unique combination of biological, cognitive, and cultural adaptability that allows us to inhabit a remarkably wide range of habitats, from Arctic tundra to tropical rainforests to urban landscapes.

One key aspect of human adaptability is our complex culture. Through the transmission of knowledge, skills, and technologies across generations, humans have been able to develop strategies for surviving and thriving in diverse environments. This cultural adaptability allows humans to quickly respond to changing circumstances, such as shifts in climate or the introduction of new resources or challenges.

Additionally, humans have a high degree of biological flexibility. Our large brains, versatile digestive systems, and generalist foraging strategies enable us to exploit a wide variety of foods and resources. Furthermore, our ability to innovate and problem-solve has allowed us to develop technologies that extend our adaptive capabilities even further, from clothing and shelter to transportation and communication.

An herein lies the problem …

For much of the developed or developing world, modern life has hijacked adaptability. For most of us, we are not using adaptability to survive conditions. We are using it to function in the systems we are part of . (I realize this is somewhat of a geocentric view, but this is based on direct observation, not a bias.) For most, when adaptation is hijacked by a system it is experienced as conformity, obedience, fitting in, or modifying yourself to be acceptable. All of which is its own form of systemic oppression.

The list of things that we have to adapt to within the systems we are part of is quite long. For the sake of this essay, I will mention the things that are often the cause of stress: money, time, interpersonal relationships, luxury items, chicken shit laws and regulations; along with the constant demand for our attention and the constant pressure to adapt to and adopt new technology.

Just as halitosis is not a medical condition (it was a term created by a PR firm for Listerine), stress is also not a medical condition. Like halitosis, stress is a social condition. Unlike halitosis, stress does produce medical conditions. Stress is a distinctly Western malady. The word does not exist in Eastern cultures, nor were there any references to it from indigenous cultures from around the world. Similarly, the medical conditions of stress (high blood pressure, cardiovascular issues, and anxiety/depression being the top three) are far less prevalent in Eastern cultures. Even more so, these conditions did not appear in indigenous cultures until colonization by the West.

“Modern capitalism needs men who co-operate smoothly, and in large numbers; who want to consume more and more; and whose tastes are standardized and can be easily influenced and anticipated. It needs men who feel free and independent, not subject to any authority or principle or conscience—yet willing to be commanded, to do what is expected of them, to fit into the social machine without friction; who can be guided without force, led without leaders, prompted without aim—except the one to make good, to be on the move, to function, to go ahead. What is the outcome? Modern man is alienated from himself, from his fellow men, and from nature.”
― Erich Fromm

While I’m grateful for many of the advancements of humanity, I’m also bothered by much of modern life. In particular, it bothers me that I need to take medication to function in today’s systems - especially Adderall for ADHD. I’ve been thinking what it would take to design an environment where there would be a steady natural supply of dopamine.