B 2 C

B 2 B

Estera Kaszen

Managing & New Business Director 

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The concept of "when ideas have sex" is a powerful framework for understanding how ideas evolve and spread over time. This idea, popularized by author Matt Ridley in his fascinating book "The Rational Optimist," suggests that ideas are like genes - they evolve through a process of recombination and selection, and they spread through a process of replication and transmission.

A trip back not to 10000, but to 23000 years ago

One fascinating example of this concept in action can be seen in the discoveries from the Ohalo II archaeological site. Located in modern-day Israel, Ohalo II is a prehistoric village dating back to the Upper Paleolithic period, around 23,000 years ago.

One of the most significant discoveries at Ohalo II is evidence of the development of plant cultivation. Prior to the discovery of Ohalo II, it was believed that humans began cultivating plants around 10,000 years ago. However, the discovery of charred remains of wild wheat and barley at the site, also oven-like hearths suggests that humans may have been experimenting with plant cultivation much earlier than previously thought.

This early experimentation with plant cultivation represents a key moment in the evolution of human society. It allowed for a more stable food supply, which in turn allowed for the development of larger and more complex communities. And just as importantly, it represents a moment when ideas began to have sex - when different strands of knowledge were combined and recombined to produce something new and powerful.

The spread of ideas and innovations at Ohalo II can also be seen in the artifacts found at the site. Archaeologists have uncovered a wide range of tools and implements, including bone needles, stone blades, and shell beads. These artifacts suggest that our ancient ancestors were engaged in trade and exchange, sharing ideas and innovations with neighboring communities.

This exchange of ideas and innovation was critical to the development of human society. It allowed for the spread of new technologies and techniques, from plant cultivation to early dental care or very primitive quasi-medical interventions. And just as importantly, it allowed for the spread of new ideas and ways of thinking, leading to the development of art, music, and symbolic thought. The discoveries from the Ohalo II archaeological site offer a compelling example of this process in action, showing how the exchange and recombination of ideas can lead to profound changes in human society. 

Innovation of a bread as tribe's competitive advantage.

The discovery of bread-making at the Ohalo II archaeological site provides fascinating insights into the impact of food technology on human evolution and survival. The ability to make bread from wild grains would have given the population at Ohalo II a competitive advantage over other populations in the region, particularly in terms of the energy delivered to the population by bread as a food.

Bread-making involves the processing of grains into flour, which is then mixed with water and baked. This process results in a food that is high in carbohydrates, providing a quick source of energy for the body. Prior to the discovery of bread-making, humans would have relied on a diet of raw, unprocessed grains, which would have been more difficult to digest and would have provided less energy.

The discovery of bread-making at Ohalo II would have allowed the population to access a more efficient source of energy, providing a competitive advantage over other populations in the region. The increased energy provided by bread would have allowed the population to engage in more complex activities, such as hunting and gathering, which would have required more energy than simple survival activities.

Additionally, the energy provided by bread would have allowed for the development of more complex societies and cultures.

With access to a reliable source of energy, humans could devote more time and resources to non-survival activities, such as art, music, and religion.

The competitive advantage provided by bread-making likely contributed to the success of the population at Ohalo II and has had a lasting impact on human history. By providing a reliable source of energy, bread-making allowed early humans to thrive and develop more complex societies.

Diffusion of innovations

The Ohalo II archaeological site provides a unique case study for examining the diffusion of innovation theory, particularly in the context of human evolution and technological progress. The site  contains numerous innovations that were crucial to the survival and progress of early humans. Understanding the diffusion of these innovations can shed light on the evolution of human society and culture.

The five stages of adoption proposed by the diffusion of innovation theory can be applied to the innovations found at Ohalo II:

• Awareness: The first stage involves the dissemination of information about the innovation. In the case of Ohalo II, the innovations that were crucial to human survival and progress include the use of fire for cooking, the cultivation of plants, and the development of tools for hunting and gathering. These innovations would have spread through the human population through word of mouth and observation.

• Interest: As humans became aware of these innovations, they would have generated interest and curiosity among the population. For example, the discovery of fire for cooking would have likely sparked interest in new ways to prepare food and improve the taste and nutritional value of meals.

• Evaluation: With interest generated, humans would have begun to evaluate the significance of the innovations. For example, the development of tools for hunting and gathering would have allowed for more efficient and successful food acquisition, which would have been evaluated for its impact on human survival.

• Trial: Once the innovations were evaluated, early humans would have experimented with their use and adapted them to their needs. For example, the cultivation of plants would have required trial and error to determine which plants were edible and how to cultivate them.

• Adoption: Finally, the innovations would have been adopted by the population and integrated into the culture. For example, the use of fire for cooking and warmth would have become a fundamental part of human culture and society.

The diffusion of innovation theory can offer valuable insights into the evolution of human society and the innovations that have shaped our progress. By examining the spread of innovations at Ohalo II, we can better understand how early humans adapted to their environment, developed new technologies, and created the foundations for our modern way of life.

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