An anthropologist shares a theory on why humans dominate the world

Human beings have long held a unique place on Earth. What separates us from other species isn’t just our intelligence or our ability to adapt, but our culture—the collective knowledge, behaviors, and innovations passed down through generations. While many animals also have cultures, human culture stands out for its flexibility, evolutionary power, and seemingly limitless capacity for change. But what exactly makes our culture so distinct? Recently, Thomas Morgan, an evolutionary anthropologist at Arizona State University, proposed a fascinating theory that might explain why humans have been able to dominate the planet: it’s not just the accumulation of knowledge, but rather our openness—the ability to imagine an infinite number of possibilities and combinations.

Culture and Transmission: A Shared Trait with the Animal Kingdom

For a long time, scientists believed that the ability to transmit knowledge was something unique to humans. However, research into animal behavior has shown that many species also pass down knowledge. Take chimpanzees, for instance. These primates learn how to use tools from their parents to extract termites from tree trunks, and they, in turn, pass on this technique to their offspring. Similarly, humpback whales have complex songs that evolve and pass from one generation to the next, sometimes even spreading from group to group—much like music trends among humans.

Even insects, such as leafcutter ants, have their own form of cultural transmission. These ants don’t directly consume the leaves they collect. Instead, they use the leaves to cultivate fungus in underground gardens, which they then consume. When a new queen leaves her colony to start a new one, she carries a small piece of this fungus to begin her new colony’s crop. This practice has been passed down through millions of years and is so stable that the fungus cultivated by these ants has become genetically distinct from wild fungal strains.

While animals do pass on behaviors and adapt to their environment, what sets human culture apart is how dynamic and creative it can be. So, what is it about humans that allows for such an expansive and ever-evolving culture?

What Makes Human Culture Unique: The Concept of Openness

Thomas Morgan’s theory centers around the idea of openness—our unique ability to imagine, plan, and create a vast number of possible outcomes. Unlike animals, humans don’t just respond to the environment as it is; we can conceptualize multiple steps and sequences to achieve a goal, then adjust those steps based on changing circumstances. For example, think about making breakfast. A parent preparing a meal for their children doesn’t just throw ingredients together. They need to gather the necessary utensils, measure ingredients, and cook them in a specific order, adjusting the heat, texture, and cooking time as needed. Each step in the process is a sub-goal, and adjustments are made depending on various factors. This ability to break down tasks into smaller steps and adapt them in real-time requires a high level of mental flexibility.

This type of problem-solving, where one imagines and refines intermediate steps to reach a final goal, is an example of the openness Morgan refers to. It’s the ability to think creatively about how to combine elements, adjust strategies, and invent new solutions in real-time. This capacity for creativity and constant reinvention is what allows us to innovate and make cultural advances at a scale and pace unlike any other species.

The Accumulation and Evolution of Human Culture: Pushing the Limits

Another unique aspect of human culture is its capacity for limitless accumulation. While animals do engage in cultural transmission, it tends to stagnate after a point. For example, although chimpanzees use tools impressively, the technique doesn’t evolve much from one generation to the next. Similarly, while humpback whale songs evolve, they don’t radically change every generation.

In contrast, human culture doesn’t just accumulate—it evolves and expands exponentially. From the invention of the wheel to the development of modern vehicles, from discovering how to control fire to harnessing electricity, and from microwave ovens to renewable energy, humans continuously build upon past knowledge, pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Unlike other species, who may encounter ceilings in their cultural development, humans seem to be on a constant trajectory of improvement. Each generation doesn’t just learn from the last; it adds something new, creating a virtuous cycle of innovation.

This constant ability to push boundaries is a direct result of our imagination and openness—our capacity to rethink, adapt, and combine old knowledge in novel ways. It’s this quality that has allowed us to build civilizations, create languages, develop religions, and even invent scientific principles that shape the world.

Implications for Human Evolution and the Future

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Morgan’s theory sheds new light on what makes humans so distinctive and helps us understand the underlying mechanisms that have enabled us to dominate the planet. The ability to imagine and expand the realm of possibilities might be the core reason why humans could construct complex societies, discover groundbreaking technologies, and create art, science, and philosophy.

This capacity for openness is also tied to the size and complexity of our brains, particularly the prefrontal cortex, which plays a central role in planning, decision-making, and reasoning. Researchers agree that it’s our advanced cognitive abilities that allow us to think in terms of complex, layered steps and imagine future possibilities.

As we move forward, understanding this distinct human trait might help us consider how our culture will continue to evolve, especially as we face challenges like artificial intelligence, robotics, and other technological advancements. Openness could very well be the key to creating systems that replicate human adaptability and creativity.

Creativity as the Driving Force of Human Culture

Finally, creativity plays a crucial role in human culture. It’s not just about imagining new possibilities; it’s about transforming those possibilities into real-world innovations. Our ability to take abstract concepts and turn them into tangible solutions is the foundation of our art, technology, and social progress. Where other species adapt by changing their behavior, we redefine the rules of the game entirely. For example, when faced with the challenge of gravity, humans didn’t just adjust; we invented airplanes, rockets, and even space stations.

This dynamic of creativity and openness is what fuels the constant progress of human culture. It’s not a linear progression but rather a series of leaps and bounds, driven by the collective imagination of individuals working together.

Ultimately, humanity’s future may very well depend on our continued ability to think outside the box, constantly pushing the limits of what is possible. And it’s this unique blend of creativity, adaptability, and openness that keeps us moving forward, shaping a world that continues to change at an unprecedented pace.