In today's fast-paced, technology-driven world, many of us find ourselves yearning for a connection to nature and a simpler way of life. This desire isn't just a passing fancy; it's deeply rooted in our evolutionary history. Richard Manning's book "Go Wild" explores the idea that humans are fundamentally wild creatures, and that our modern lifestyles are at odds with our natural instincts and biological needs.
Introduction
Manning argues that our bodies and minds have evolved over millions of years to thrive in natural environments, engaging in activities like hunting, gathering, and living in close-knit communities. However, our current sedentary lifestyles, processed diets, and disconnection from nature are causing a host of physical and mental health problems. The good news is that by reconnecting with our wild roots, we can improve our overall well-being and lead more fulfilling lives.
The Wild Human: Our Evolutionary Heritage
Designed for the Wild
Our bodies and minds are not built for the sedentary lifestyle that has become the norm in modern society. Evolution has shaped us to be active, alert, and deeply connected to our natural surroundings. The urge we feel to escape to open spaces or climb mountains isn't just a fleeting desire; it's our innate wild nature calling out to us.
Manning points out that some indigenous tribes, like the San people of Southern Africa, still maintain a lifestyle that closely resembles that of our ancestors. These communities tend to be healthier and happier than those living in modern, urbanized settings. They spend most of their time outdoors, engaging in physical activities like hunting and farming, breathing fresh air, and eating natural, unprocessed foods.
The Pitfalls of Modern Living
Our current way of life, characterized by long hours sitting at desks, staring at screens, and consuming processed foods, is at odds with our evolutionary design. This disconnect is likely contributing to many of the health issues plaguing modern society, including obesity, heart disease, autism, and cancer.
The author argues that we haven't evolved beyond our wild nature, as some experts suggest. Instead, we've created an environment that's fundamentally misaligned with our biological needs. By recognizing this mismatch, we can start to make changes that bring us back into harmony with our natural selves.
The Human Mind and Body: Built for Empathy and Agility
The Power of Empathy
One of the key traits that sets humans apart from other species is our capacity for empathy. This ability evolved not just as a social tool, but as a survival mechanism. When our ancestors hunted, they used empathy to understand and predict the behavior of their prey. This same skill allowed us to form strong family bonds and care for our young, who are uniquely helpless among animal species for an extended period.
Our empathetic nature is what allowed us to form complex social structures and cooperative communities. It's a fundamental part of what makes us human and has been crucial to our survival and success as a species.
Physical Adaptations for a Wild Life
Physically, humans have evolved to be incredibly versatile. We're capable of a wide range of movements that allowed our ancestors to hunt, gather, and navigate diverse terrains. Our bodies are designed for walking, running, crouching, bending, jumping, and manipulating tools.
This physical adaptability is paired with a keen intelligence that allows us to observe our surroundings and make efficient use of our energy. Our relatively small digestive systems are a testament to our ability to obtain and process a variety of nutrient-dense foods, rather than relying on large quantities of low-quality food like many herbivores.
Understanding these physical and mental adaptations helps explain why many people feel unfulfilled in sedentary, indoor-focused lifestyles. We're built to do so much more than sit at a desk all day, and our bodies and minds crave the stimulation and variety that a more active, nature-connected life provides.
The Benefits of Exercise and Natural Sleep Patterns
Running for Brain Power
One of the most effective ways to reconnect with our wild side and improve our overall health is through exercise, particularly running. Manning emphasizes that running outdoors, especially on challenging natural terrain, provides benefits that go far beyond physical fitness.
When we run through woods or along mountain paths, our brains get a workout alongside our bodies. Navigating uneven terrain and natural obstacles stimulates neural pathways and can actually build new connections in the brain. This cognitive engagement is something that's missing when we run on a treadmill or a flat, predictable surface.
The author cites a Swedish study that found a strong connection between cardiovascular fitness and intelligence. The research, which compared both fraternal and identical twins, discovered that IQ was influenced more by cardio fitness than by any other genetic factor. This suggests that activities like running can have a significant impact on our cognitive abilities.
Rediscovering Natural Sleep
Another area where modern life has diverged significantly from our evolutionary past is sleep. Many people struggle with sleep issues, and Manning argues that part of the problem lies in how different our sleep environments are from those of our ancestors.
For most of human history, people slept outdoors or in simple shelters, without artificial light. They were exposed to natural light cycles and temperature variations. Additionally, they often slept in groups, with someone keeping watch for potential dangers.
To improve sleep quality, Manning suggests making changes to recreate more natural sleeping conditions:
If you live alone and have sleep issues, consider getting a pet. The presence of another living being can provide a sense of security that aids sleep.
Avoid using computers, smartphones, and other electronic devices for at least an hour before bedtime. The blue light emitted by these devices can disrupt your natural sleep-wake cycle.
Try to create a sleeping environment that's as dark and quiet as possible, mimicking natural nighttime conditions.
Consider sleeping with a window open to allow for natural temperature fluctuations and fresh air circulation.
By making these adjustments, we can align our sleep patterns more closely with our evolutionary heritage and potentially improve both the quality and quantity of our sleep.
The Impact of Modern Agriculture and Processed Foods
The Rise of "Diseases of Civilization"
Manning points out that many of the health problems we face today, such as type 2 diabetes and asthma, were virtually non-existent among our hunter-gatherer ancestors. These ailments are often referred to as "diseases of civilization" because they emerged as human societies became more complex and our diets changed dramatically.
The shift to agriculture brought about a significant change in human diets. Instead of the varied diet of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and meat that our bodies evolved to process, we began to rely heavily on a few staple crops like corn, rice, wheat, and potatoes. While this change allowed for larger, more stable populations, it also meant that our bodies were no longer getting the full range of nutrients they needed.
The Omega-3 Deficiency
One crucial nutrient that's often lacking in modern diets is omega-3 fatty acids. Our bodies can't produce these essential fats on their own, and we traditionally got them from eating fish and other free-range animals. Without sufficient omega-3s, we're more prone to depression, heart disease, and inflammation.
The author argues that misinformation about healthy eating has contributed to this deficiency. For years, people were advised to cut fat from their diets, not realizing that fatty tissues in animals are where many essential nutrients are stored. By avoiding these fats, we've inadvertently cut out important nutrients that our bodies need to function optimally.
The Dangers of Refined Carbs and Sugar
While we've been avoiding healthy fats, our diets have become increasingly dominated by refined carbohydrates and sugars. These ingredients, found in abundance in processed foods and soft drinks, are major contributors to many modern health problems.
Refined carbohydrates are particularly harmful because they make it harder for our bodies to burn fat and gain energy from food efficiently. This can lead to a host of issues, including depression, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
Even foods marketed as healthy, such as many types of baby food, often contain high amounts of added sugar. This early exposure to sugar can set the stage for lifelong health problems and food addictions.
To combat these issues, Manning advises moving away from processed foods and embracing a diet that more closely resembles what our ancestors ate. This means consuming more fruits, vegetables, nuts, and lean meats, while significantly reducing intake of refined carbs and added sugars.
The Power of Meditation and Nature Exposure
Meditation: A Path to Health and Happiness
Manning explores the benefits of meditation, presenting it as a powerful tool for improving both mental and physical health. He describes the state of meditation as one where you're completely at ease with yourself, your thoughts flow freely, and your breathing is steady and calm.
The author cites research conducted by neuroscientist Richard Davidson, who studied Tibetan monks at the invitation of the Dalai Lama. Davidson's findings were groundbreaking: the brains of long-term meditators were significantly different from those of non-meditators. Specifically, the monks' brains showed greater plasticity and adaptability.
Moreover, these meditative practices seemed to enhance the monks' connection with nature and increase their empathy towards other living beings. This aligns well with our evolutionary heritage as social, nature-connected creatures.
The good news is that you don't need to be a monk to benefit from meditation. Even short daily meditation sessions can have a positive impact on brain activity, potentially leading to improved health and happiness. Manning encourages readers to incorporate meditation into their daily routines as a way of reconnecting with their innate wild nature.
The Healing Power of Nature
Another key aspect of reconnecting with our wild roots is spending more time in nature. This is particularly important for those living in urban environments, where natural spaces can be scarce.
Manning explains that our instinctive fears of dark corners, dead ends, and routes with no easy exits are remnants of our evolutionary past, when we were potential prey for large predators. These instincts can make city living stressful and anxiety-inducing. It's one reason why apartments with good views are so desirable – they provide a sense of openness and escape that resonates with our wild selves.
But even small doses of nature can have significant benefits. The author cites a Japanese study that found that simply having potted plants in the workplace could reduce sick days by 40 percent. This suggests that even minimal exposure to natural elements can have a profound impact on our well-being.
To incorporate more nature into your life, Manning suggests:
- Bringing plants into your home and workspace
- Spending time in local parks or green spaces
- Planning regular outings to natural areas outside the city
- Creating a small garden, even if it's just a few pots on a balcony
- Choosing nature-based activities for recreation, like hiking or birdwatching
By consciously seeking out connections with nature, we can help satisfy our innate need for wild spaces and potentially improve our physical and mental health.
The Social Animal: Our Tribal Nature
The Drive for Social Connection
Manning delves into the biological basis of our social nature, explaining that our preference for tribal companionship over solitude is deeply ingrained in our genes. The hormone oxytocin plays a crucial role in driving us towards social behavior.
Oxytocin encourages bonding and social interaction, which has been crucial for human survival throughout our evolutionary history. In the past, weak community bonds could lead to neglect of vulnerable members, particularly children, leaving them exposed to various dangers. The hormone helps foster the social behavior necessary for creating strong, protective communities.
The author uses the example of prairie voles to illustrate the power of oxytocin. These small mammals transform from meek creatures into fierce defenders of their families once they mate and their oxytocin levels increase. This dramatic change highlights the hormone's role in strengthening family ties and promoting protective behaviors.
The Dark Side of Tribalism
While our tribal nature has been essential for our survival and success as a species, Manning also acknowledges its potential downsides in modern society. The same instincts that drive us to protect our "tribe" can manifest in less positive ways:
Discrimination: Our innate desire to defend our community against perceived outsiders can lead to discrimination against immigrants or those seen as different from the norm.
Intolerance: The urge to protect the "sanctity" of the family unit can sometimes result in intolerance towards those who don't fit traditional family structures, such as LGBTQ+ individuals.
Domestic violence: In extreme cases, men might react violently if they perceive their partner as a threat to the stability of their home, even though this goes against the protective instinct that oxytocin typically promotes.
Manning emphasizes that understanding these evolutionary influences on our behavior doesn't excuse negative actions. Instead, it provides insight into why we might feel or act in certain ways, allowing us to consciously choose more positive behaviors that align with our modern ethical standards while still satisfying our need for community and belonging.
Practical Steps for Reconnecting with Your Wild Side
Throughout the book, Manning offers various suggestions for how we can incorporate more "wildness" into our modern lives. Here's a summary of some key actionable advice:
Embrace outdoor exercise: Instead of running on a treadmill, find a challenging outdoor trail. This engages your brain and body in ways that mimic our ancestors' experiences.
Improve your sleep environment: Create a darker, quieter sleeping space. Consider sleeping with a window open for fresh air and natural temperature fluctuations.
Adjust your diet: Move away from processed foods and embrace a more natural diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and lean meats. Reduce your intake of refined carbohydrates and added sugars.
Practice meditation: Even short daily sessions can have significant benefits for your mental and physical health.
Bring nature into your living space: Add plants to your home and workplace. Create opportunities for regular contact with natural elements.
Seek out social connections: Nurture your relationships and build a sense of community. Remember that social bonds are a fundamental human need.
Go for "wild" runs: Challenge yourself with varied terrain when exercising outdoors. This engages your body and mind in ways that flat, predictable surfaces don't.
Limit screen time before bed: Avoid electronic devices for at least an hour before sleep to help regulate your natural sleep-wake cycle.
Plan regular nature outings: Make time for hikes, camping trips, or other activities that immerse you in natural environments.
Be mindful of your tribal instincts: Recognize when your protective instincts might be leading to negative behaviors, and consciously choose more inclusive, positive actions.
Conclusion: Embracing Our Wild Heritage
"Go Wild" presents a compelling argument for reconnecting with our evolutionary roots in order to lead healthier, happier lives. Manning's central thesis is that many of the physical and mental health issues plaguing modern society stem from our disconnection from the natural world and the lifestyles our bodies evolved to thrive in.
By understanding our wild heritage, we can make informed choices about how we live, eat, sleep, and interact with others. This doesn't mean abandoning modern comforts entirely, but rather finding a balance that satisfies both our innate wild nature and the realities of contemporary life.
The book encourages readers to view themselves as part of the natural world, not separate from it. By embracing this perspective, we can tap into the wisdom of our evolutionary past to navigate the challenges of the present and future.
Ultimately, "Go Wild" is a call to action – an invitation to rediscover our place in the natural world and to live in a way that honors our biological heritage. By doing so, we can potentially address many of the health and social issues that have arisen from our increasingly artificial and sedentary lifestyles.
As we face global challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss, reconnecting with our wild roots may also inspire a greater sense of stewardship for the natural world. By recognizing our deep connection to nature, we might be more motivated to protect and preserve the wild spaces that are so crucial to our well-being as a species.
In essence, Manning's book suggests that the path to a healthier, happier future might involve looking back to our wild past. By finding ways to incorporate more natural movement, foods, social connections, and environments into our lives, we can potentially unlock the vitality and resilience that are our evolutionary birthright.