Beware Cultural Drift – Interview with Robin Hanson

“Thoughts on modernity’s monoculture mistake” – Here Robin Hanson argues that “cultural drift” poses a significant threat to societies, especially in the context of rapid technological and social change. Cultural drift refers to the gradual shift in societal norms and values over time, often driven by small, incremental changes that go unnoticed until they lead to significant consequences. Hanson suggests that this phenomenon can erode important cultural values and institutions, leading to societal instability and conflict. He calls for greater awareness of cultural drift and a concerted effort to preserve and protect core cultural values and traditions.

Robin Hanson is an associate professor of economics at George Mason University and a research associate at the Future of Humanity Institute of Oxford University.

Article: https://quillette.com/2024/04/11/beware-cultural-drift/

“Everyone without exception believes his own native customs, and the religion he was brought up in, to be the best.” ~Herodotus circa. 440 BCE