Chapter 1: The Impact of Complexity on Human Cognition

Following my recent chest surgery, I've encountered a series of complications, largely due to repeated post-operative infections. My surgeon noted, "we don't often see patients with wounds like yours," which underscored the unusual nature of my situation. After removing various problematic tissue, he had to stretch my skin over an empty space, using an excessive number of stitches. Unfortunately, skin is not resilient when there's nothing to support it underneath. This issue was exacerbated by my low body fat and well-developed pectoral muscles, which placed additional strain on the healing area each time I moved. As a result, I now have a gap across my sternum that is over an inch wide and a quarter-inch deep, with exposed tissue, leading to recurrent infections despite regular medical care.

During my recovery, I've had the opportunity to observe the world around me, particularly how the human mind struggles with complexity. Evolution has primed our brains to seek out straightforward solutions, which historically required minimal cognitive effort. This instinct served us well for most of our evolutionary history, which is why many contemporary hunter-gatherers still prioritize efficiency in their daily activities.

Today, however, we live amidst an overwhelming abundance of easily-accessible information and increasingly complex societal dynamics. For instance, while many households lacked a landline telephone in my childhood, today, even individuals in less affluent regions of Africa and Southeast Asia possess smartphones that connect them to vast amounts of content—some of which may contain a grain of truth. Traditional jobs are disappearing at an alarming rate, replaced by new roles that emerge rapidly, leaving many uncertain about their financial futures.

Moreover, restrictive housing policies have led to a critical shortage of affordable homes, intensifying anxiety for many. Our obsession with digital devices means that we often focus on sensationalized content, allowing politicians to promote ill-conceived policies that resonate with voters who fail to appreciate the nuances of cause and effect.

It's not inherently our fault that we gravitate toward simplistic solutions for intricate issues. Evolution has made us short-sighted and often lacking in critical thought. Admitting our limitations would require a level of self-awareness that is often absent in our species.