Richard Colter

Understanding Human Evolution Richard Colter

This book reveals the Nine Human Endeavors (NHE), which are the highly sophisticated behaviors that separate modern humans from early human species such as Neanderthals. The constructive use of this knowledge is the key to unleashing the untapped potential of individuals and organizations, and it opens the door to infinite possibilities for all of humanity. This book provides a comprehensive theory of human evolution that answers the unassailable questions of how and why humans evolved. As the story of human evolution unfolds, new anthropological concepts are presented, along with critical details such as the key psychological and physiological differentiators between modern humans and early humans. And a basic timeline of evolutionary events provides the context necessary for understanding the human condition. Many will be interested to learn the psychological factors that shaped the evolution of modern humans, including the Nine Human Delusions, which are the predicates for the Nine Human Endeavors. Upon learning the psychological factors, the astute reader will recognize that many of the psychological disorders that are commonly diagnosed today are not disorders, but are mechanisms within the psyche that evolved to serve an important purpose. This understanding will sponsor the development of more effective protocols, especially the protocols related to certain diagnoses such as those related to obsessive-compulsive, paranoid, bipolar, and schizophrenic conditions. Economists may be surprised to learn that the greater part of human evolution aimed to resolve the economic problems of scarcity and stagnation. The fact that five of the NHE are devoted to solving these critical problems provides the understanding that modern humans are economic creatures who depend on markets, trade, conservation, productivity, and technological innovation. Understanding these economic behaviors, and the evolutionary mechanisms of human behavior that are responsible for them will prove to be indispensable to many economists. Sociologists will recognize that each of the NHE aims to resolve certain aspects of social behavior. Criminologists will recognize that several mechanisms evolved to guide, control, and coerce highly civilized behaviors. And philosophers will recognize that the paradigm of human behavior presented in this book is the touchstone of wisdom that informs the purpose and meaning of life. Understanding Human Evolution reveals knowledge that is indispensable to the further development of individuals, organizations, and countries. This knowledge is for people of all walks of life, whether you are a scientist, philosopher, or theologian, or a seeker of the purpose and meaning of life. Indeed, there is something in this book that every human being will appreciate.