March 16, 2020 Carole Levy

An important message from our ancestors!

Recently, I spoke to a dear friend in France who was enthusiastic about a conference he had just attended (before the mandatory sheltering in France). The talk was about the difference between Homo Sapiens and Neanderthals. Homo Sapiens survived whereas Neanderthals rapidly became extinct.

Why is that? Apparently, the two species co-existed for some time. We know they met, mated, and crossed their genes because some of us –though rarely- test for a Neanderthal gene.

Who knows what happened for the Neanderthals? Perhaps they bickered and fought with Homo Sapiens and eventually were exterminated. Or they got sick, crushed by a micro-climate change or a meteorite! Anyway, Neanderthals couldn’t adapt to change and, about 40,000 years ago, the species disappeared. 

According to agreed-upon research, the distinguishing difference between Homo Sapiens and Neanderthals is that the pre-fontal cortex and the parietal lobes of Sapiens brains were more developed than the ones of Neanderthal.

The pre-fontal cortex controls executive function, problem solving, cooperation, complex thoughts and emotions like shame, compassion and love. The parietal lobes, among other functions, control language. 

It’s likely that Homo Sapiens were able to survive thanks to their evolved brains. Since they were capable of generating ideas and transferring information, they were capable of organizing, and better protecting themselves. In other words, they were able to engage in teamwork in the face of adversity.

So, in the face of our current adversity, let’s not forget the lessons of our ancestors, and with respect and cooperation, let’s take care of our fellow Homo Sapiens…

Comments (14)

  1. Deborah

    Yes, so important to remind ourselves of what is good and our great ability to cope. It is bad out there, but we are capable of dealing with a lot.

    • Carole Levy

      Yes, our great ability for resiliency! Thanks Deborah!

  2. Ross Peterson-Veatch

    Thanks so much for reaching out this way. I thought of you this morning as I was getting ready for work. I hope you are well.

  3. Tamara Patterson Trussell

    A message for the whole world — we’re all in this together and it’s for our survival — we’re are able! Thank you Carole!

Comments are closed.

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