Altruism, Evolution, and Why We Need Each Other to Succeed
by Martin A. Novak and Roger Highfield
Somehow I always knew it. We really do need each other. It’s not all survival of the fittest. Nice guys don’t always finish last. Now here’s the science that explains why. We are SuperCooperators.
Dr. Novaak is a rare combination of evolutionary biologist and mathematician. This book tells of a journey of discovery that he, his professors, co-researchers, and students took over several decades to find out if and how we succeed through cooperation.
He starts with a well-known game, the prisoner’s dilemma. Two prisoners charged with a crime sit in separate cells, facing separate interrogation. If both keep their mouths shut, neither accusing the other of the crime, they will each serve a 2-year sentence. If both accuse each other, they will both serve 3 years each. But if one stays loyal and doesn’t talk, while the other one accuses him, the accuser gets off with a 1 year sentence, while the loyal one is in for 4 years. So, mutual cooperation gives some benefit, while mutual distrust leads to significant loss. But the greatest benefit, and also the worst loss, come with betrayal.
Novak and his associates took this simple game and used it to design a series of experiments and computer simulations. They discovered how different strategies such as “Tit for Tat,” “Generous Tit for Tat,” or “Always Defect” had different success rates, depending on a number of circumstances. They looked at how the effects of spatial relationships, group dynamics, and multiple repetitions of the game had an influence. They experimented with non-living “pre-life” physical systems, groups of cells, ant colonies, people, and computer-generated models.
The results are reflected in the book’s subtitle: “…Why We Need Each Other to Succeed”. While natural systems and groups of animals do tend to benefit from cooperation, people are most successful when they act as SuperCooperators. We are uniquely gifted with strong communication skills and an in-born need to cooperate. Our social structures like marriage, family, tribe, business, team, city, school, and nation are built upon and encourage cooperation. What is the alternative? The chapter “Punish and Perish” makes it clear.
If you’ve ever had to convince a friend, or even yourself, that cooperating is better for us than backstabbing, this book may come in handy. It is entertaining to read, and makes a convincing argument.