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logicallee 8 hours ago

tangentially, readers may be interested in this paper: https://stateofutopia.com/papers/1/evolving-brains-cull-long...

(you can reproduce its results yourself in a few minutes).

mlhpdx 8 hours ago | parent [-]

Shorter lifespans drive faster evolution. That was taught in basic biology and we, as a society, know it all too well (infectious diseases).

It’s difficult to square obsession with a long life with a healthy humanity.

wizzwizz4 2 hours ago | parent [-]

Faster evolution does not necessarily translate to better outcomes. Exhibit A: the respiratory capabilities of the brachycephalic pug. Exhibit B: the rabbit fear response – they can get so terrified that they break their own spines trying to escape. Exhibit C: every creature with a hybrid r/K reproductive strategy involving child- or sibling-cannibalism.

mlhpdx an hour ago | parent [-]

> Faster evolution does not necessarily translate to better outcomes.

For individuals, of course yes. But for populations? Also yes, but temporarily as dead-ends (A), or inconsequential stopovers (B), or distasteful (C).