Understanding the Intersection of Human Nature and Political Structures
In recent discussions, Nicholas Wade prompts us to consider the fundamental principles that shape human nature and the social frameworks that arise from our inherent behaviors. His insights delve into the complex relationship between our evolutionary past and contemporary political and cultural institutions.
“It is time to explore the principles on which human nature has been constructed and the social structures that are derived from behaviors embedded in the human genome.”
—Nicholas Wade, The Origin of Politics (46)
Wade expresses concern that our efforts to create new cultural norms and political mechanisms may diverge too sharply from established traditions that align with our evolutionary biology and psychology.
“Two fateful collisions between politics and human nature are presently unfolding. One is the gradual erosion of the social cohesion that binds the diverse population of the United States together. The other is a global decline in fertility that threatens the survival of nearly every country outside Africa.”
Just as with other species, human beings possess a distinct set of instincts and drives molded by evolutionary forces.
“The desire to reproduce and successfully raise children is a prime motivator that, while not always at the forefront of our minds, influences many of our life choices.” (53)
A portion of our behaviors can be traced back to our evolutionary heritage.
“A striking connection between ancient and contemporary armies is the need for synchronized movement. Engaging in coordinated physical activities promotes a sense of unity and shared purpose, evidenced by war dances in the past and the modern practice of marching on parade grounds.” (62)
Wade posits that our moral viewpoints have roots in our evolutionary development.
“Human societies cannot function if their members feel no remorse about harming or killing one another. Thus, evolution has instilled a moral compass that forbids such actions.” (85)
He emphasizes that this principle extends to larger social arrangements.
“Humans have created extensive social structures by leveraging aspects of our nature, such as kinship, religion, warfare, the urge to adhere to rules, and the aspiration to pass on wealth and status.” (97)
What occurs when culture conflicts with our innate desires? Wade references the kibbutz movement in Israel, which experimented with cultural changes that proved unsustainable.
“The kibbutzim found stability only after discarding the two main policies that opposed human nature: the dismantling of the family structure and the separation of labor from reward.” (12)
Conversely, other cultural adaptations have demonstrated greater viability. Transitioning from polygamy to monogamy has been shown to reduce intra-group violence and enhance solidarity against external threats, while establishing formal political structures has facilitated economic growth and wealth accumulation.
Wade stresses the significance of sex differences in society.
“The two sexes exhibit different skills and interests, a reflection of their long history of evolutionary specialization. A society that drastically alters these natural tendencies in accordance with feminist or any other ideology is likely to increase social discord and disrupt the natural distribution of talents.” (109)
He argues that the push for women to occupy high-ranking roles, particularly in academic institutions, has led to unfavorable outcomes.
“Most societal institutions have been established by men, who historically sought to form coalitions for governance and defense. Thus, the hypothesis that men may be more suited to managing institutions remains plausible, albeit unproven.”
“As of 2021, women comprised two-thirds of college administrators, many of whom have contributed to diminishing the success of white male applicants while promoting initiatives like ‘safe spaces’ and speech codes, creating an environment that prioritizes security over academic rigor.”
“There is little evidence to suggest that modern universities, influenced by a feminized ethos, prioritize intellectual pursuits above all else.”
“Institutions that elevate women into leadership roles based on criteria other than merit risk experiencing disorder similar to that which has plagued many formerly prestigious universities.” (117–119)
Such assertions are provocative; however, Helen Andrews made comparable observations during a conference in 2025. For more insights, see my review of Warriors and Worriers, by Joyce Benenson.
Wade suggests that the spectrum of political beliefs, both liberal and conservative, exists among humans due to varying circumstances.
“In a new environment, an increase in ‘liberal’ traits might promote exploration. Conversely, if faced with potential threats, ‘conservative’ traits may prevail, favoring caution and traditional practices essential for survival.” (158)
In his concluding chapter, Wade softens the conservative implications drawn from an evolutionary perspective.
“Politics must navigate change while preserving values and traditions. An evolutionary viewpoint does not inherently favor conservative politics over liberal ideals.” (211)
Nevertheless, he calls for an acknowledgment of our evolutionary heritage.
“The growing divergence between human nature and cultural expectations is causing significant strain. Sustainable solutions must be rooted in our human nature, as it represents the best evolutionary approach for constructing societies and safeguarding their continuity. While politics and culture can occasionally refine these behaviors, excessive pressure may lead to the disintegration of the social fabric.” (213)
If I were to author a book exploring these themes, I would emphasize a nuanced perspective: cultural adaptations may often fail when they contradict evolutionary instincts, but there are exceptions.
- Cultural experiments that defy evolutionary inclinations frequently falter, yet there are instances where we have successfully navigated around nepotism.
- The methods in which women engage in cooperation and competition often differ from those of men, but variations within groups may be equally significant.
- While evolutionary mismatches can be exacerbated by liberal policies, they can also arise from conservative approaches, such as pronounced income inequality.
In conclusion, while Wade’s observations may seem contentious, it is vital to approach them with thoughtful consideration rather than outright dismissal.
