Marching the to Sound of the Evolutionary Drum
In school, I, along with most people, had idea about evolution that species actively adapt to their environment. This idea is closely related to how humans actively adapt to changing situations, so imagining this was the case was not too difficult. However, most of the scientific community now identifies with the idea that random genetic mutations give rise to new traits, and whether these new traits carry to the next generation are dictated by how these traits help individuals fair in changing environments. This idea is harder to image because humans can’t directly relate to the idea of some individuals being born with a lucky genetic trait and surviving while those without the trait die. Modern medicine and technology makes possessing such favorable traits not wholly necessary for survival. It also makes for a sad movie with a character born with extraordinary traits surviving and those without the trait perishing. We’d all prefer a tale where an ordinary individual grows and becomes better suited to the environment around them through hard work and adventure.
These two ideas are drawn typically as ‘nature v.s. nurture’, ‘Darwin v.s. Lamarck’, or ‘genetics v.s. epigenetics.’ Reality, as with many extremes, lies somewhere between active adaptation and random experiments that work out, likely.
A human trait that lies in contrast to evolution is our need for permanence. Stability is maintained through religions, tradition, social relationships, and perhaps even scientific laws. A constantly changing life is painful and hard. But, a constantly changing life is what evolution desires. Change and adaptability offer the best chance for survival.
With modern society as it is, the idea that we should constantly adapt has partially fallen by the way-side. Why do I need to change when I have stability? Survival is guaranteed if I stick the course. This, most likely, is true. But there must be consequence for standing up to evolution. It’s impossible to see the consequence as of now.
Thankfully, there is a slow movement towards constant adaptability. Old traditions, values, and ideas of sameness are fading as they would if normal evolution took its place. Globalization is securing a future of diverse and constantly adapting lifestyles. The victors might be those that actively change and diversify their traits. In fact, doing so isn’t too hard.
If you wish to follow evolution, modern analogies might be to learn a new language, make friends with those outside your culture, learn skills you never thought you’d learn, live in a country markedly different than your own. Cook and sample cuisines from different cultures, read books that are outside your current interests, travel to exotic places, and learn all that you can.
Hopefully, these experiences will spread to those around you, and, in the best-case-scenario, to your offspring. Evolution will continue, and, if we participate, hopefully so will we.
