The 6 key evolutionary limitations of our mind

Our brain is an incredible evolutionary tool that have allowed Homo sapiens to become the dominant species on planet Earth. However, over the past 200 years or so, we have entered the modern age, where things have drastically changed. Our lives are no longer threatened by tigers, we enjoy food security, and machines do much of the physical work for us. Despite these advancements, our brain still operates on the same "software" as it did 200'000 years ago, creating significant challenges in adapting to modern life. Understanding these limitations helps us to live a happier and more effective life. Here are our mind's main limitations:

1. Our Intuition is often wrong

Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman and colleagues distinguish two systems of thinking. Our natural thinking system, based on intuition, is fast and effortless but prone to errors. Reason, on the other hand, is a deliberate "on-demand" approach that requires more cognitive resources. While intuition can be helpful for making quick decisions, it is frequently flawed due to various cognitive biases. These biases distort our perception of reality and can lead us to make erroneous judgments. For example, the confirmation bias leads individuals to preferably search for, interpret, and remember information that confirms their preexisting beliefs. This bias reinforces existing opinions and can lead to poor decision-making because it limits the consideration of alternative perspectives and contradictory evidence.

2. We think in relative terms

Our brains do not think in absolutes; instead, we judge everything relative to a reference point. For instance, a salary increase might feel satisfying only until we learn that a colleague received a larger raise. For example, behavioral economists have documented the phenomenon of "loss aversion," where people feel the pain of losing something more intensely than the pleasure of gaining something of equal value (reference point: status quo). Loss aversion makes people avoid taking necessary risks even when the potential benefits far outweigh the losses. This can result in missed opportunities for personal, professional, or financial growth.

3. We get used to stuff quickly

Humans quickly get used to new things, a phenomenon known as hedonic adaptation. Scientists speak of the hedonic treadmill theory, suggesting that people constantly pursue new goals and experiences in an attempt to increase their happiness, but these new achievements only provide temporary boosts. Neuroscience supports this theory, showing that the anticipation and pursuit of rewards stimulate dopamine release. However, once the reward is obtained, dopamine levels quickly return to baseline, leading to a renewed search for new rewards. This relentless pursuit can lead to chronic dissatisfaction, stress, and anxiety.

4. Our instinct is negative

Our brains tend to prioritize negative emotions and information over positive ones, a phenomenon called the negativity bias. This trait, beneficial for our ancestors' survival by keeping them alert to dangers, often causes unnecessary stress and fear today. Neuroimaging studies reveal that negative information triggers stronger and more prolonged neural responses than positive information. This heightened sensitivity affects our behavior and decision-making, leading to cautious and risk-averse actions. For instance, the negativity bias skews our worldview negatively, making us perceive global conditions (poverty, war, income, etc.) as worsening. but in fact, they have significantly improved!

5. Instant Gratification!

The tendency to favor short-term pleasure over long-term gains is another evolutionary shortcoming. The brain has different systems that compete when we make decisions between immediate and delayed rewards. The emotional part of our brain often drives the desire for immediate gratification, while the rational part recognizes the benefits of delaying gratification for a larger reward later. This inclination towards instant gratification can lead to obesity, financial problems, decreased quality of social interaction, distraction from long-term goals, and a higher likelihood of substance abuse. The famous "marshmallow test" conducted by psychologist Walter Mischel demonstrated that children who were able to delay gratification tended to have better life outcomes in terms of academic success, health, and overall well-being. This highlights the significant impact that the ability to resist immediate temptations can have on long-term success.

6. Always in energy saving mode

Our brains are primed to save energy because they use about 20% of the body's energy at rest. This energy-saving mode was crucial for survival in resource-limited environments. However, in today’s world of abundant resources and less physical activity, this can lead to a tendency to avoid mental exertion and prefer easier, less demanding tasks, hindering our productivity and personal growth. Negative consequences include obesity and systematic errors in judgment and decision-making. Overcoming this natural inclination can have broad benefits. For example, neuroscientific research has shown that regular physical activity not only benefits physical health but also enhances cognitive function, mood, and overall brain health.

Conclusion

The brain has not yet adapted to modern lifestyle. Thus, understanding our key evolutionary shortcomings can help us recognize our natural, mental limitations and develop strategies to overcome them. By being aware of our biases, we can make more informed decisions, improve our well-being, and better navigate the complexities of modern life. Find out here, which practices, habits, and strategies help us do so.