EchoNode

Around 70,000 years ago, a remarkable transformation occurred in human history – the Cognitive Revolution. This pivotal moment marked when Homo sapiens developed the extraordinary ability to create and collectively believe in shared fictions, from religions and nations to money and human rights.

Archaeological evidence from sites like Blombos Cave reveals a sudden sophistication in human artifacts and the emergence of art during this period. The revolution wasn’t physical – our anatomy hadn’t changed significantly in 200,000 years – but mental. Our brains had developed the capacity for complex symbolic thought and imagination.

This new cognitive ability gave humans a unique superpower: the capacity to unite and cooperate in large numbers through shared beliefs. While other primates can only maintain social groups of around 150 individuals (Dunbar’s number) through direct relationships, humans can coordinate millions of people through collective myths and stories.

The implications were profound. This ability enabled the construction of pyramids, the establishment of empires, and the development of modern institutions like money and laws. Today, our world runs on shared fictions – from national borders to financial markets to human rights. These aren’t physically real but exist because we collectively believe in them.

However, this power is double-edged. The same cognitive mechanisms that enable unprecedented cooperation can also fuel conflict when different groups hold incompatible beliefs. As we face modern challenges like climate change and artificial intelligence, understanding our mythic nature becomes crucial for our future survival.

The Cognitive Revolution that began 70,000 years ago continues to shape our world. By understanding this fundamental aspect of human nature, we can better navigate the shared fictions that structure our lives and work towards creating more effective and compassionate forms of human cooperation.