The hottest Anthropology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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How To Stop Worrying And Learn To Love Lynn's National IQ Estimates

Astral Codex Ten • 31522 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🔬 Science Psychology Education Anthropology Statistics Sociology
  1. IQ differences between groups may not be purely genetic and can be influenced by environmental factors like nutrition and education. This means that poorer conditions in some countries can lead to lower IQ scores.
  2. People often perceive those with low IQs differently based on specific syndromes, which can cause various functional deficits. A person with a low IQ might still lead a normal life in their context.
  3. The gap in IQ scores between different groups suggests there's potential for improvement through development initiatives. Better nutrition, health care, and education can help raise IQ scores in underdeveloped areas.

We are what we speak: Indo-European phylogenetic and linguistic trees concur

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 800 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
💾 History Linguistics Genetics Cultural Studies Anthropology
  1. Recent ancient DNA research has greatly advanced our understanding of the origins and evolution of Indo-European languages. This includes finding connections between ancient peoples and the languages we speak today.
  2. Studies reveal that the Yamnaya people from the Pontic steppe played a key role in spreading Indo-European languages across Eurasia. They replaced many indigenous populations, showing a significant impact on the genetics of modern Europeans.
  3. The genetic findings confirm a close relationship between our linguistic history and biological roots. This means the languages we speak can reflect our ancestral heritage.

We were selected: tracing what humans were made for

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 783 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🔬 Science Genetics Evolution Anthropology
  1. Ancient DNA research has greatly improved our understanding of human evolution. Scientists can now study our genetic history and how humans have adapted over thousands of years.
  2. New techniques allow researchers to see how natural selection has shaped our traits, like skin color and immune response. This gives insight into why certain characteristics are more common in different populations.
  3. The findings show that our physical traits have changed over time due to varying environmental pressures and lifestyles. This helps explain how humans have managed to survive and thrive in diverse habitats.

What Do You Wish People Were More Curious About?

Culture Study • 2282 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Curiosity Human behavior Anthropology History Community
  1. People are curious about a wide range of topics, like the history of places or specific laws that are too complex to understand at first glance. Exploring these subjects can lead to deeper insights.
  2. There are everyday experiences that often go unnoticed, like the physical toll of standing or bending all day. Recognizing and discussing these can create empathy and understanding.
  3. Curiosity can expand our knowledge and improve our connections with others. By asking questions and seeking answers, we can gain a better understanding of the world around us.

The other man: Neanderthal findings test our power of imagination

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 686 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🔬 Science Genetics Anthropology Paleontology Evolution History
  1. Neanderthals were more diverse than previously thought, similar to modern humans. Recent DNA findings show that they had unique social behaviors and were genetically distinct from their neighbors.
  2. The ancient DNA era has rapidly changed our understanding of human prehistory. Discoveries from ancient genomes have revealed new insights into our ancestors and how they interacted with Neanderthals.
  3. A notable finding is the discovery of a Neanderthal named Thorin, who lived in isolation for thousands of years. This suggests that Neanderthals had unique ways of life that are very different from modern humans.
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Can One Become a Different Person?

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 691 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Identity Metaphysics Memory Existentialism Anthropology
  1. People can feel like they've transformed into a new version of themselves, much like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. This change can be exciting, but it also makes them reflect on their past identities.
  2. Memories play a key role in how we see ourselves and maintain our identity over time. Even when we go through tough experiences, like illness, we hold on to memories that connect us to who we were.
  3. The idea of being a person isn't as fixed as it seems; we shift and change over time. It's natural for us to evolve and take on new roles, much like actors changing characters in a play.

Book Review: Primates of Park Avenue

Passing Time • 234 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Anthropology Fashion
  1. The book explores motherhood and social dynamics among wealthy women on the Upper East Side, showing how much status revolves around children and schools.
  2. The author, who comes from a different background, reflects on her experiences fitting into this elite community, emphasizing the pressures and competition involved.
  3. Despite some harsh observations about the social scene, the book reveals a sense of compassion among the women, suggesting there’s more to their stories than just rivalry.

The Prehistory of Music

Dada Drummer Almanach • 52 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🎶 Music Music history Anthropology Cultural Theory Evolutionary Theory
  1. Music has deep roots in human history, showing how important it has been in shaping cultures. It connects us to our past and influences how we live today.
  2. The study of music isn't just about its notes and rhythms; it's also about understanding its role in society and culture. Music can help create and define the world around us.
  3. Exploring how humans developed musical abilities can lead to insights about our evolution and what makes us unique as a species. It's fascinating to think about why we can engage with music in such powerful ways.

A language family of one, a land beyond conquest

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 657 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
💾 History Genetics Language Europe Anthropology
  1. The Basque language, Euskara, is unique as it is the only surviving indigenous non-Indo-European language in Europe. This makes it a fascinating subject of study, as it has no known relatives.
  2. Basques have a distinct genetic profile, with a high frequency of RH-negative blood type. This unusual trait contributes to theories about their origins and historical isolation in Europe.
  3. Recent genetic research suggests that the Basques may not be the oldest inhabitants of Europe as previously thought, but instead, they are descended from human populations that lived before the introduction of agriculture.

Graphic Content & Cyber Monday: the year’s deepest discount

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 274 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🔬 Science Genetics Population History Anthropology Evolution
  1. Cyber Monday is a great opportunity to get a good deal on subscriptions, like locking in an annual rate of $50.
  2. Population trends show that regions like South Asia and Africa will have significant growth, changing global dynamics in the coming decades.
  3. Ancient DNA research is revealing new insights about human evolution and genetics, showing how our ancestors adapted to challenges over time.

The origins of power dynamics, or why chimps can't play baseball

The Garden of Forking Paths • 2122 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🔬 Science Evolution Biology Psychology Anthropology Human behavior
  1. Humans can throw objects accurately and at high speeds, shaping our modern power dynamics in society.
  2. Our unique shoulder adaptations allow for precise and fast throwing, giving us a competitive advantage over other species.
  3. The ability to use ranged weapons and throw projectiles from a distance has influenced human social structures and power dynamics.

Traditional Methods of Black Magic

Traditions of Conflict • 26 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Anthropology Traditions Magic Folklore Rituals
  1. Many cultures believe in using things like hair or personal items to harm others through magic. This idea reflects a common practice of using what's connected to someone to affect them.
  2. Supernatural beliefs may persist because people start to feel sick or anxious after hearing they’ve been cursed, which makes them believe in the power of magic more strongly.
  3. There’s a connection between these beliefs and how humans think; people often mistake coincidence for causation, leading to a cycle of magic, fear, and belief.

Panic In Zanzibar: Nocturnal Sodomy & Demon-Bats

Grey Goose Chronicles • 1041 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Anthropology History Spirituality Folklore Politics
  1. In Zanzibar, a collective panic occurred in 1995 due to reports of attacks by a shape-shifting spirit called Popobawa, resulting in violence and fear among residents.
  2. The Popobawa legend is a complex mix of political tensions, taboo sexual elements, supernatural beliefs, and historical legacies, making it challenging to interpret.
  3. The phenomenon of the Popobawa offers insights into Zanzibar's history, culture, and divisions, reflecting how fears and stories can have real-world impacts on communities.

The Genetic Time Machine: Neanderthals, genomics and hybridization priors

ideassleepfuriously • 982 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🔬 Science Genomics Evolutionary biology Anthropology Genetics Human biology
  1. 200 thousand years of isolation may not be enough for genetic incompatibilities to develop
  2. Genomics has revolutionized evolutionary biology by providing precise insights with massive amounts of data
  3. The mixing of Neanderthal and modern human lineages led to genetic incompatibilities and selection against Neanderthal-origin DNA in modern humans

Neanderthals in the House

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 359 implied HN points • 09 May 24
🔬 Science Paleontology Geology Anthropology Urban Nature Natural History
  1. A person found part of a jawbone while visiting their parents' house, and it could be related to ancient humans like Neanderthals. This discovery shows that fossils can be hidden in unexpected places, even in our homes.
  2. Many buildings, like the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, are made from a stone called travertine that has preserved fossils of leaves and other plants. This means you can see ancient life without going to a museum.
  3. Cities like Seattle are full of building stones with hidden fossils, encouraging people to look closer at their surroundings. Exploring urban areas can reveal fascinating pieces of our natural history.

a postrationalist syllabus

eigenrobot,s Blog • 1670 implied HN points • 12 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Philosophy Anthropology History Metacognition
  1. Postrationalism is a cultural influence that never actually existed, but influences can still be studied and emulated.
  2. The selection of cultural touchstones in the syllabus is subjective, reflecting one individual's perspective within the realm of postrationalism.
  3. The syllabus encompasses a wide range of topics, including anthropology, language, stories, synthetic history, metacognition, ways to live, and more.

A Brief Genetic History of Europe

Holodoxa • 239 implied HN points • 19 May 24
🔬 Science Genetics History Anthropology Migration Disease
  1. Modern Europeans have a complex genetic history with contributions from different ancient populations like hunter-gatherers and Neolithic farmers.
  2. Advancements in genomics have drastically reduced the cost of sequencing genomes, leading to significant progress in understanding human genetic history.
  3. Migration has been a significant factor in shaping the genetic and cultural landscape of Europe over thousands of years, and it continues to play a crucial role in our future.

Letter from the field #3 - The anthropology of illustration

On Looking • 339 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Anthropology Visual Culture
  1. The lives of NYC creatives in the illustration field are rich and complex, often intertwining personal identity with creative work.
  2. Illustrators create images that reflect their unique styles, which are not just for commercial purposes but also a form of personal expression.
  3. Art directors play a pivotal role in matching visuals with text, acting as 'image brokers' who translate language into visual art, influencing how people interact with images in everyday life.

The Wood From Eden book recommendations page

Wood From Eden • 432 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
📚 Literature Anthropology History Psychology Philosophy
  1. It's valuable to explore book recommendations even if you can't read them all from cover to cover.
  2. Readers can share book and film recommendations on specific categories on the Wood From Eden book recommendations page.
  3. The principle behind the recommendations page is to create a space for like-minded readers to share and discover new, interesting books and films.

PhD Journal #1

On Looking • 379 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Images People Community Anthropology Artistic Process
  1. The author explores how people interact with images in various settings like art communities and social circles in New York City.
  2. Through shared drawing experiences, the author discovers the intimate and pressure-less nature of creating art together, breaking away from professional expectations.
  3. Modifying images in a social context can lead to relaxed and friendly interactions, highlighting the performative nature of our public personas.

"A Theory of Everyone" by Michael Muthukrishna

Optimally Irrational • 33 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews Science Social Science Behavioral Science Anthropology
  1. Muthukrishna's book looks at human behavior and society through four key ideas: energy, innovation, cooperation, and evolution. These ideas help explain how life and societies develop over time.
  2. The author connects concepts from physics and social sciences, showing how energy sources have influenced human progress and how cooperation among people has been crucial for success.
  3. The book also offers insights into today's social issues, suggesting ways to improve democracy and education, while pushing for more cooperation and innovation to tackle challenges like inequality and political division.

The Y Chromosome Bottleneck

Vectors of Mind • 314 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🔬 Science Genetics Evolution Human behavior Anthropology Selection
  1. Men and women think differently, and there may have been a moment in history where men had to 'catch up' on self-awareness and language.
  2. Recent genetic research suggests a bottleneck on the Y chromosome, indicating possible massive selection in the recent past.
  3. The Y chromosome bottleneck coincided with cultural changes and patrilineal competition, shedding light on human male demographic history.

Something I'm Thankful For...

House of Strauss • 26 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Traditions Gratitude Society Anthropology Food
  1. It's important to take time to be thankful, especially during special seasons like holidays. Being grateful can help us appreciate what we have instead of focusing on what's lacking.
  2. Learning about different cultures can change our perspective on our own lives. For example, seeing how happy the Huli tribe women were to have a meal made me reflect on my own daily experiences.
  3. Asking others what they're thankful for can create meaningful conversations. It's a great way to connect with friends and family during changing times.

In Defense of Repression II

Litverse • 279 implied HN points • 06 Feb 23
📖 Philosophy Psychology Existentialism Psychoanalysis Anthropology Self
  1. Repression could be a tool for building a new self by accepting and integrating past pain, according to Marcel Proust's Impressionist painter Elstir.
  2. Ernest Becker theorizes that repression is crucial not just for personal growth but also for maintaining societal agreement on fundamental truths, preventing a future with conflicting values.
  3. Projection, seen as a defense mechanism by Freud, is viewed optimistically by Becker, who believes it fulfills human narcissism and helps find purpose by prioritizing the outer world as part of the inner self.

Dynamics of Polygyny in Hunter-Gatherer Societies, Part 1

Traditions of Conflict • 13 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Societies Marriage Anthropology Ethnography
  1. Polygyny often happens in societies where men benefit more than women. This means that men use these marriages to gain extra support from women rather than women wanting to share a wealthy man.
  2. The way marriages are arranged plays a big role in how common polygyny is. When marriages are forced or without much choice, more women end up in polygynous marriages.
  3. If women contribute a lot to family resources and marriages are very controlled, it's easier for polygyny to thrive. In contrast, if women have more say or choice in their marriages, polygyny tends to be less common.

mastering group dynamics

Midnight Musings • 1 HN point • 20 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Anthropology Social Dynamics Decision-making Cultural Identity
  1. Effective group dynamics rely on creating a shared identity where group outcomes are prioritized over personal gains. This unity helps groups work better together.
  2. Good discussions should focus on factual observations rather than emotions or personal pride. This means everyone should feel equally invited to share their views, which leads to better decisions.
  3. Instead of competing to win arguments, groups should aim for collaboration and understanding. Keeping conversations calm and focused helps maintain positive group relationships.

RKUL: Time Well Spent 03/03/2024

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 171 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🔬 Science Evolutionary biology Genetics Anthropology Ancient History Podcasts
  1. Parents can now screen embryos during IVF using whole genome sequencing to check for hundreds of conditions, keeping families safe.
  2. The presence of maternal grandmothers has been linked to higher survivorship among grandchildren, showing the evolutionary importance of menopause.
  3. Research on ancient DNA and AI may offer valuable insights into human history, potentially surpassing the impact of ancient DNA studies.

Coder Subculture: An Exploration

The Digital Anthropologist • 19 implied HN points • 07 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Subculture Technology Anthropology Creativity Society
  1. Software coders form a unique subculture that plays a significant role in our digital world, with problem-solving at the core of their activities.
  2. Coders infuse cultural influences into their code, showcasing their problem-solving abilities and dedication to efficiency, sometimes shaping their lifestyle around coding.
  3. Understanding the values and mindset of coders is essential for society to harness their creativity for developing software products that benefit humanity.

1 year of visual culture, and a new name !

On Looking • 139 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Culture Creative industry Anthropology
  1. Julien Posture's newsletter 'The (Im)posture' is rebranding and broadening its focus to discuss visual culture matters beyond just the creative industry.
  2. The newsletter reflects Julien's transition from being an anthropologist doing illustration to an illustrator engaging with anthropology, exploring a wide range of topics from AI in illustration to language perception in VFX.
  3. The aim of the newsletter is to deepen visual literacy, encouraging readers to think profoundly about living in an image-saturated world as both creators and viewers.

Finding Washington's First Fossils

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 199 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🔬 Science Paleontology Geology Anthropology History Ecology
  1. The earliest known connections to fossils in Washington come from the Wanapum people, who used ancient petrified wood for tools over 9,000 years ago.
  2. Naturalists like Archibald Menzies and others in the early 1800s began documenting fossils in Washington, although many of their specimens have been lost over time.
  3. The mystery of who first collected fossils in Washington remains, but geologist James Dwight Dana is a strong candidate for making one of the earliest fossil collections.

Thick Travel

intellectualinting • 181 implied HN points • 30 May 23
🏝 Travel Cultural Exploration Anthropology
  1. Anthropologists study human behavior by observing different cultures.
  2. Understanding cultural differences helps us grasp the complexity of being human.
  3. Our ability to adapt and create tools sets us apart from animals and defines our cultural diversity.

Culture and Humans Living Forever

The Digital Anthropologist • 39 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
🔬 Science Technology Anthropology Philosophy Sociology History
  1. Advancements in science may soon allow humans to live for hundreds of years, leading to complex cultural adaptations.
  2. The concept of living forever raises ethical and societal questions, such as equal access to longevity treatments and redefining traditional milestones like retirement.
  3. The shift towards longer lifespans will challenge our current economic and cultural systems, impacting everything from wealth accumulation to family structures.

Woolly dogs

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 179 implied HN points • 05 May 22
🎭️ Culture History Anthropology Society Pets Tradition
  1. Seattle has a lot of dogs, even more than children according to recent data. In fact, it was ranked the most dog-friendly city.
  2. Coast Salish people had two unique dog types: a larger hunting dog and a woolly dog used for its fur. Unfortunately, both types went extinct by the 1800s.
  3. Dogs were important companions and provided valuable resources like wool for textiles, showing their special role in the lives of the Coast Salish people.