Living Fossils

Living Fossils explores the interplay between evolutionary psychology and mental health, aiming to understand the origins and functions of psychological phenomena. It delves into emotions, decision-making, social behaviors, and modern challenges through the lens of evolutionary adaptation, providing insights into managing well-being and navigating contemporary life.

Evolutionary Psychology Mental Health and Wellbeing Emotion Management Decision-Making Social Behavior and Interaction Parenting and Existential Questions Academic Publishing Adolescent Mental Health Dehumanization and Empathy Happiness and Comparison Fear and Anxiety Power and Identity Memory and Cognition Coordination in Nature Advice and Insight Contentedness and Satisfaction Loneliness and Solitude Power Dynamics Boredom and Stimuli Evaluation Crying and Emotional Signaling Adaptation and Modern Challenges

The hottest Substack posts of Living Fossils

And their main takeaways

The Willpower to Care About Academic Debates

31 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🚌 Education Psychology Research Methods Cognitive Science
  1. Ego depletion, the idea that willpower decreases after making tough choices, has been largely debunked. Many studies found that there is no strong evidence to support this theory.
  2. The ego depletion debate shows how important solid theories are in science. Without a strong theory, even widely accepted ideas can lead researchers astray.
  3. Psychology needs to be more disciplined in building ideas that align with what we know about the human mind and evolution. This helps avoid wasting time on false concepts.

The Placebo Effect in Therapy (Part 2/2)

19 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychotherapy Placebo effect Mental health
  1. Belief and expectation can significantly influence healing, often making the placebo effect just as powerful as actual medicine. When patients believe they will get better, it can boost their healing.
  2. Therapy often works not because of specific techniques, but due to the relationship between the therapist and client. That caring connection can lead to real healing and change.
  3. The effectiveness of therapy may not rely on the method used, but rather on the simple fact that someone is there to listen and support the client, making therapy a type of meaningful social interaction.

The Tradeoffs of Language

15 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Language Communication Education Cognition Social theory
  1. Language is a useful tool for communication, but it can also create confusion when it’s too complicated or specialized. Sometimes, people forget that not everyone has the same knowledge.
  2. Using clear and simple language helps everyone understand better and makes communication more effective. It’s better to avoid fancy words when simple ones will do.
  3. In therapy and other helpful conversations, it’s important to use language that clients can easily grasp. This builds trust and understanding between the therapist and the client.

How The Psychologist Got Confused

27 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Evolutionary Psychology Behavioral Science Philosophy of science
  1. Just because something is called an explanation doesn't mean it really explains anything. A word can't fully clarify complex ideas.
  2. Complex topics need more detailed models to explain them. Simple labels aren't enough for deeper understanding.
  3. Many psychologists struggle with clear explanations because they often focus on labels rather than real underlying processes or mechanisms.

Property Rights Are All in Your Head – Part I

28 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Property Rights Morality Conflict resolution
  1. Property rights exist because we believe in them. They aren’t like physical things we can measure but are ideas that people create and agree on.
  2. When disputes happen over property, it's often a matter of conflicting beliefs. The winner is decided based on how society views those beliefs, which can change over time.
  3. Different cultures have different rules about property. These rules shape how property rights are understood and can even change who gets to keep what when someone passes away.
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The Placebo Effect in Therapy (Part 1/2)

18 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Placebo effect Psychotherapy Behavioral Science
  1. There are over seventy types of therapy, each with its own method, but research shows they often work about the same. It's called the Dodo bird verdict.
  2. The placebo effect plays a big role in therapy success. Just believing that therapy will help can lead to real changes.
  3. Instead of focusing on which therapy type is best, it might be smarter to understand what makes therapy work, like a supportive environment and the client's expectations.

From the Fossil Record: The Adaptive Role of Emotions

5 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🔬 Science Emotions Psychology Evolution Behavior Research
  1. Emotions are complex systems in humans with different parts like how we feel, how our body reacts, and what we do. For example, feeling angry when someone cuts you off in traffic can lead to raising your blood pressure and even giving them a rude gesture.
  2. There is some disagreement on whether any emotions are the same for all people. However, everyone agrees that we all have emotions that affect how we react to situations.
  3. Understanding our emotions can help us navigate day-to-day challenges better. They play a big role in our behavior and how we connect with others.

Straightlining OCD

15 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Evolutionary biology Psychology Cognitive Science Behavioral Health
  1. Humans have evolved in messy environments, but our modern spaces are often too neat and straight. This neatness can create feelings of dissatisfaction and perfectionism, as humans are always seeking better conditions.
  2. OCD might be more common today because our environments exaggerate feelings of dissatisfaction. We notice minor imperfections more easily in our structured lives than our ancestors did in their chaotic natural settings.
  3. People today are better equipped to try and fix their surroundings, which can lead to a cycle of anxiety and compulsive behavior. Our ability to improve things can sometimes make us feel worse when everything doesn't match our ideals.

What We Suffer For

19 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Identity Ethics Human experience Decision-making
  1. Writing can be a double-edged sword. It brings joy and purpose, but it can also take you away from real-life experiences.
  2. Many people accept suffering to fit in and maintain their identity. They often fear what they would become if they let go of that identity.
  3. People often endure pain to avoid loss. They may stick with unhappy jobs or relationships just to prevent the fear of losing something they have.

"Just Tell Me What To Do"

26 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Decision-making Cultural Commentary Mental health
  1. Many people today feel overwhelmed by choices and just want someone to guide them. This need comes from the stress of having to make so many decisions in life.
  2. Science provides clear and accurate answers but often lacks comforting explanations for big life questions. This can leave people feeling lost and spiritually empty.
  3. We’re seeing a shift in how society shares values and norms, leading to individualism. This makes it hard for people to know the right choices, causing them to seek external guidance.

Depression

27 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Psychology Depression Self-care Emotional Wellbeing
  1. Depression can be seen as a strategy for individuals to signal their need for help. When someone feels this way, it might mean they need more support from friends or family.
  2. The pain of depression might sometimes drive people to withdraw from social interactions, which can show others that they are in real distress.
  3. Though depression feels terrible and often comes after difficult life events, it can have a function in measuring how much support a person requires from their social network.

Ruling Out Wilt Chamberlain

10 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Social Behavior Gender Roles
  1. Relationships often have unseen rules, like games, and understanding these can help people navigate dating and social interactions better.
  2. When people cheat or cancel plans frequently, it leads to a game of trying to one-up each other, which can make dating harder and less trustworthy.
  3. Moral rules can be used to change the game, either making certain behaviors unacceptable or even creating laws that benefit some people over others.

The Need To Pee

16 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🔬 Science Biology Health Psychology Anatomy Behavior
  1. Tycho Brahe's story shows how ignoring the urge to pee can have serious consequences for health, as it may lead to fatal infections. It's a reminder that some bodily needs shouldn't be ignored, even in social settings.
  2. The bladder fills and sends signals to the brain that motivate us to pee. This system is controlled by specialized cells that detect stretching, similar to how we feel full after eating.
  3. We have the ability to control when we pee, which helps us navigate social norms and situations. This skill allows us to prioritize different needs but can sometimes lead to difficult choices.

From the Fossil Record - Awe

3 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🔬 Science Evolution Paleontology Biology Nature
  1. The team is taking a holiday break and won't be posting regularly for a bit. They want to keep readers engaged even during this time.
  2. They are sharing older posts to remind new readers of valuable content they might have missed. One highlight is a post about 'awe' that fits the holiday season.
  3. They welcome feedback from readers, whether it's about the new idea, suggestions for topics, or just holiday wishes. They are happy to hear from everyone.

Erasing and Replacing Race

7 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Social Psychology Cognition Evolutionary Theory Diversity
  1. Humans may not automatically categorize people by race. Instead, we tend to identify which groups people belong to based on social coalitions.
  2. Research shows that racial categorization can be reduced or suppressed with certain manipulations, which suggests it's not a fixed aspect of how we think.
  3. The ongoing studies highlight that focusing on race is a choice, and we have the ability to change this perspective over time.

The Existential Relief of Having Children

68 HN points • 28 Feb 24
  1. Parents often experience less existential anxiety as parenthood provides answers to life's big questions and shifts priorities.
  2. Existential relief from parenting can come from the distraction of survival responsibilities that take away time to ponder life's purpose.
  3. Parenthood offers a sense of productivity and purpose, although it can bring about stress and fatigue as a trade-off.

What Would a Hunter-Gatherer Do?

45 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
  1. Humans rely on heuristics or shortcuts to process information efficiently.
  2. Evolved heuristics impact decision-making, even though they may lead to cognitive biases.
  3. Considering a hunter-gatherer approach can provide insights into making decisions that promote well-being and mental health.

Returning to Ivan Illich

19 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
  1. People have outsourced the responsibility of their health to the medical system, impacting self-care.
  2. Increased life expectancy is primarily due to acute issue treatments, not chronic conditions.
  3. The outsourcing of personal and communal responsibility in mental health may lead to over-reliance on experts rather than personal and community involvement.

What To Do With Emotions - Part I

28 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
  1. Dealing with emotions can be hard, but understanding the adaptive goal of the emotion is crucial.
  2. Knowing the function of an emotion can guide effective action in addressing it.
  3. Learning techniques to resist emotional temptations, prevent triggers, and discharge emotions can help manage emotions effectively.

Mostly Mindless Protests

17 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
  1. Even ancient evidence can help evaluate different hypotheses about the function of evolved structures.
  2. Beliefs can be used to signal group membership more than conveying truth or accuracy.
  3. Joining protests or groups often involves more about signaling allegiance than understanding the cause.

The Need for Social Insulation

17 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
  1. Social insulation is important for health and well-being, but modern society often undermines it.
  2. Factors like individual temperament, familiarity, emotional regulation, group size, and performativity influence the need for social insulation.
  3. Technology has changed social interactions, making it harder to have genuine solitude and affecting mental restoration.

Trust the Process? The Trials of Academic Publishing

15 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
  1. Trust the process involves believing in a long-term strategy despite short-term challenges.
  2. Academic publishing involves a lengthy, challenging process from idea to publication in a journal.
  3. Psychology values empirical research over theory, leading to challenges in publishing theoretical papers.

The Teen Mental Health Crisis

13 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
  1. Adolescent mental health has become a national emergency.
  2. Increased phone and social media use may be contributing to teen mental health issues.
  3. Teens need better community support and challenge, not less responsibility.

What To Do With Emotions - Part III

17 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
  1. Evolutionary psychology and clinical psychology have different approaches in understanding and treating emotions.
  2. Jealousy, for example, is viewed differently by evolutionary psychologists, focusing on its function in protecting relationships.
  3. Therapists should consider the interaction between a client and their situation, rather than defaulting to internal or personal causes for emotional issues.

Brief Announcements

9 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Publications
  1. The Living Fossils blog has reached significant milestones with thousands of views and over four digits of subscribers.
  2. A new section called The Boneyard has been introduced for specialized content or pieces with a different tone.
  3. The blog is open to hosting guest pieces if they align with the site's purpose and maintain high quality.

Animals Play Coordination Games - Coordination Part I

10 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🔬 Science Evolutionary biology Animal Behavior Game Theory
  1. Animals play coordination games to survive, such as cicadas coordinating emergence to avoid predators.
  2. In coordination games, like fireflies with unique flashing patterns, the key is for all individuals to use the same strategy for successful coordination.
  3. Coordination games are not only seen in animals playing over evolutionary time but also in real-time situations, like fish schooling or starlings murmuration.

Fear (Part I)

10 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Anxiety Therapy Evolutionary Psychology Fear Well-being
  1. Fear can lead to negative consequences like stress and health issues, but it played an important role in our survival and evolution.
  2. Stress from fear has been linked to significant health problems like hypertension and cardiovascular disease, impacting millions worldwide.
  3. Understanding the evolutionary origins of fear and anxiety can help normalize these emotions, reduce self-judgment, and open up possibilities for reducing their impact.

The Adaptive Role of Emotions

23 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
  1. Emotions are adaptations that evolved to help our ancestors survive and reproduce.
  2. Considering emotions as adaptively functional can help us understand their reason and purpose.
  3. Understanding emotions as panhuman and subject to natural selection can help lower the personal stakes associated with them.

Dogs are nice. Antipathy is not.

12 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
  1. Humans can dehumanize others in certain situations, like when someone is viewed as a norm violator or a member of an outgroup.
  2. Dehumanization can lead to lack of empathy and make people more willing to harm others, especially in intergroup conflicts.
  3. Antipathy towards humans can be driven by factors like rivalry, norm violation, or being part of an enemy group, leading to a negative relationship unlike that with dogs.

Athletes Play Coordination Games – Coordination Part III

6 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🎾 Sports Athletics Games Rules
  1. Sports are a way for humans to measure and compare abilities, leading to the motivation to compete and demonstrate skills.
  2. Different sports have different rules to solve coordination problems - the rules must be agreed upon to accurately measure abilities.
  3. Penalties and fouls in sports serve two main purposes: maintaining the integrity of the game as a measurement tool and deterring harmful actions.

Net Power

7 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
  1. Power is limited, making it hard to take over the whole world.
  2. Historically, power was concentrated in certain identities like kings, but limits were imposed over time.
  3. The shift from identity-focused to action-focused regimes decreases power of those with privileged identities.

She's Got That Knowing Feeling

8 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23
  1. The feeling of knowing is like metal detecting, with a sense of probability and specific search tools.
  2. Searching for memories incurs opportunity costs, pushing a balance between searching and moving on.
  3. There are signals in memory tasks, like recalling birds, that measure effort and the need to switch to a new 'patch' of memories.

What To Do With Emotions - Part IV

8 implied HN points • 06 Dec 23
  1. Emotions are difficult to manage due to evolving in a different world
  2. The limbic system may overpower logical reasoning in influencing emotions
  3. Personal connection and practice are crucial for meaningful changes in emotional management

Power Part IV: Who Sides with Baby Killers?

8 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
  1. People often choose sides in conflicts based on identity rather than actions
  2. The surprise over support for certain actions often comes from misunderstanding the fundamental difference between choosing based on identities vs actions
  3. Progressive ideologies are deeply rooted in identity, which can sometimes lead to overlooking basic human ethics in favor of loyalty to identities

Evolution is the Thief of Joy

11 implied HN points • 12 Jul 23
  1. Comparison is the thief of joy, as stated by Theodore Roosevelt.
  2. Evolutionary perspective on happiness views emotions as motivating adaptive actions.
  3. With increased communication and technology, constant comparisons can lead to feelings of inadequacy and decreased happiness.

Contentedness

7 implied HN points • 20 Sep 23
  1. Contentedness is a positive emotion linked to completing a task with limited further benefit.
  2. Opportunity costs in decision-making involve considering what else can be done with time or resources.
  3. Diminishing returns can influence when to move on from an activity, as rewards decrease over time.

Quiet Desperation

8 implied HN points • 09 Aug 23
  1. In times of struggle, people may fantasize about escaping their problems, but often the reality of the situation keeps them rooted in their current path.
  2. Quiet desperation is the feeling of being trapped between wanting to leave a situation and hoping for improvement, creating a sense of emotional strain.
  3. Staying stagnant in a challenging situation can lead to a deepening sense of desperation, causing individuals to struggle between idealized fantasies and the harsh realities of their circumstances.

Loneliness, Part II: Solutions to Loneliness

7 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
  1. Solitude can offer a break from negative social emotions, but may also lead to missing out on social rewards and support.
  2. Parasocial relationships with media figures can serve as a way to cheat our need for social connections, but may not fully satisfy our evolutionary-based need for real, reciprocal relationships.
  3. While technology provides alternatives for social connections, real human relationships remain crucial for overall well-being and societal benefits.

Evolutionary Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Wisdom

9 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
  1. Evolutionary principles enable wisdom and potential for a flourishing life.
  2. Genetic predispositions interact with the environment to produce outcomes.
  3. Extraordinary environments can lead to positive outcomes, like cultivating wisdom.

People Play Coordination Games - Coordination II

3 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🔬 Science Language Communication Beliefs Culture
  1. Humans use language to efficiently convey ideas and thoughts, making it the ultimate coordination game of transferring information.
  2. The shared sound/idea mappings among groups of people in language are a result of solving coordination problems to move information effectively.
  3. Differences in language sound/idea mappings across groups exist due to multiple equilibria in coordination, showcasing the complexity of language evolution and usage.