Your Ancestors weren’t smarter than a Neanderthal.🧠🦍 (They were just more Social🎉)
Scientists have suggested that we (Homo Sapiens) had a weaker build physically and a similar intelligence level to the Neanderthals.
So why did we survive and they didn’t?
Scientists have proved one of the main differences between Neanderthals and Homo Sapiens, is that we had more diverse, larger, and connected communities. Which created a greater ability to collaborate.
It cannot be concretely proved that the inferior community was the main reason for the Neanderthal’s demise, as they were living in a very challenging and colder climate. Yet it was a major contributing factor to their extinction.
The Roseto Effect
“These people were dying of old age, that’s it” - Malcom Gladwell.
In Malcolm Gladwell’s best-selling book Outliers, he shared a story about a small town called Roseto in Pennsylvania. Between the 1955-1965 time frame, all the Italian family members younger than 65 in Roseto had no suicide, drug addiction, alcoholism, and virtually no heart disease, compared to families of a similar ethnic background in nearby towns who had much higher rates of heart disease and illnesses. This confused the rest of the health professionals and scientists as the Roseto’s still drank alcohol, smoked, had a pretty processed diet and poor exercise habits.
Why did they live long?
It was the family and community structure at Roseto which provided strong - social support! People talked openly on the streets, families live together and there was a genuine community within the city. Researchers then coined it the Roseto effect.
Blue Zones
Furthermore, studies on the BlueZones where people report living longer and happier lives all have the commonality in common of strong social relationships and community. (The Right Tribe - was a key contributing factor).
Along, with a Harvard study, now almost 80 years old, has proved that embracing community helps us live longer, and be happier. Click the link to watch the full video.
Maximum & Minimum - Tribe and Community Numbers.
Max - With professor Dr. Dunbar reveling that 150 is the maximum amount of people you can have a relationship which still has trust, obligation, and some personal history… not just names and faces.
Min - Researchers have found that having 3 to 5 Meaningful Friendships correlates to increased fulfillment and happiness in life, and helps us feel like we are getting enough in terms of friendship.
Upcoming Podcast Release 🎙 - Community and Tribe Building with Liam Hounsell.
This Podcast is designed to help you grow, attract and create thriving in-person and online tribes and communities of people. This is done through researching and interviewing leaders and experts who have done and are doing just that. It will cover the 3 core areas of thriving communities - Personal, Professional, and Digital.
Personal - with friends, family, romantic relationships, and talking to strangers.
Professional - Monetising communities, mentoring, facilitation, sales, leadership, public speaking, coaching, marketing, and networking.
Digital - The latest community software platforms, tech tools, and other emerging technologies.
This matters now more than ever, because sadly in the modern world, most meaningful conversations are being replaced by screen time addictions. Whilst exponential technological globalization and urbanization are increasing hyper-individualized societies, loneliness, and isolation.
As I grew up with divorced parents, moved homes multiple times, changed schools, pursued a solo sport for most of my life, and went from a 3rd world to a 1rst world, and am ambitious with what I can achieve this led to an internal conflict between “Authentic achievement versus belonging,” and created feelings of isolation and disconnection. However, when I focused eventually on cultivating a community that aligned with my values, I felt the truth that both authentic achievement and belonging need to co-evolve together. This has been one of the greatest contributors to my life professionally, personally, and mentally… my intention is that you
First Podcast Episode Coming Soon. 1
Insights on Community Building and Karaoke with Joe Wehbe (Co-Founder of the Constant Student Community, Author, Entrepreneur + Much more)
I’m excited for the journey ahead, feel free to share this with anyone who you believe would benefit.
Uncover Your Truth
Liam