I’m exploring how humans evolved for 200,000 years toward cooperation and connection, then locked ourselves into hierarchy 10,000 years ago. We need to understand those mechanisms if we’re going to change course. I’m building a body of work around that, and inviting other thinkers to help develop the ideas.
From my manifesto:
“Of course, violence and selfishness certainly existed. These are part of our nature, too. What I’m saying is that natural selection was, in effect, helping us choose routes that ensured our well-being. Moreover, top-heavy power dynamics, rugged individualism, and dark triad personality types, having narcissistic, Machiavellian, and psychopathic traits, were not selected for. Despite what’s been said about genes being selfish, life requires other life. Connection to the community does not result from selfish pursuits.
For all our flaws, we evolved toward community and cooperation. Toward enough. Yet somehow, we got Egypt. “
About Me
I’m an ecologist and systems thinker exploring the evolutionary origins of human cooperation and why we abandoned it for hierarchy. Through writing, podcasting, and coaching, I work with people and movements doing fragmented work on systemic change, helping us see our shared roots and act with greater coherence. The question isn’t whether we *can* change direction evolutionarily. It’s whether we’ll do it together in time.
Find me on Substack and Medium
Interested in collaborating or being guest?
Email me directly at chris.burcher@gmail.com