Andrew McCluskey

Whether you believe in the 1/9/90 rule of social networks or not,

Michael Tomasello's book "The Cultural Origins of Human Cognition" argues that humans' unique cognitive abilities stem from our capacity for shared intentionality - the ability to participate in collaborative activities with shared goals and intentions. This enables cultural learning and the creation of artifacts, practices, and institutions that... See more

The core idea at the end of that chapter was that anything that reduces fear of “the other” also reduces the idea that some people are fundamentally different or dangerous. Wars and hatred often stem from the notion that other people are so different that conflict becomes justifiable. But exposure to other cultures—whether through travel, food, or... See more

Anger, like fear, triggers the same response in the brain. It is often a reaction to a lack of control.

In needing to maximize hedonic value for as many people as possible, a healthy cultural ecosystem must produce artworks of both relatively simple and complex stimuli. Complex stimuli preferred by experienced and educated individuals are alienating to less experienced and educated individuals, and simple stimuli are not entertaining to more... See more