No. 204 · Strategy · Sociology
Cultural Evolution
Ideas, habits and tools evolve like living things, only faster: the useful spread and the rest fade.
In the Almanac
“From semaphore to text message”, 1794–1992 · “Blockbuster”, 2000–2010
Both stories in full, three ways to use it and where it misleads.
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Questions
What is Cultural Evolution?
Cultural Evolution applies Darwin's logic of variation, selection, and inheritance to ideas, technologies, and customs. Culture changes far faster than genes, which is how we moved from smoke signals to instant messaging, and why companies like Blockbuster fade when they adapt too slowly.
How do you use Cultural Evolution?
Stay adaptable and willing to update your ideas as the world changes. Think critically, since some ideas spread because they are catchy, not because they are good. And view other cultures with empathy: each has evolved its own solutions to its own circumstances.
When does Cultural Evolution matter?
Cultural Evolution is one of the 56 mental models for strategy, the situations where you ask: How do I win when others want the same thing? Within that, it belongs to “Staying ahead of change”, alongside Creative Destruction, Disruptive Innovations and Generals Fighting the Last War.
What is an example of Cultural Evolution?
Two stories show it at work: From semaphore to text message (1794–1992) and Blockbuster (2000–2010). Both are told in full in The Mental Models Daily Almanac, which has two stories for each of its 365 models.
Which mental models are related to Cultural Evolution?
Natural Selection, Zombie Ideas and Social Proof. Cultural Evolution itself comes from sociology.