This got me thinking. Paelo psychology talks about the link between our evolutionary biology and our modern day psychology. I've observed that American society places value on grit. "Get 'er done" "Grind it out" "Man up"
Is this bias toward grit a vestigial of our ancestors advancing through control over their environment? How much control do we have over our environment? Some people would say absolute control. One's success or failure is solely dependent on the amount of effort they put into controlling outcomes. "Pick yourself up by your boot straps." Others would say some have very little control, "A victim of circumstance" I would argue we have a lot of control but not absolute control.
Regardless, my wife made me realize something today. Americans, myself included, value grit. I think that value comes from deep ancestral roots. We are alive today because someone long ago thought, "Screw this rain I'm building a fire and shelter."
What do you think? Do you have control over your environment? How much? Do others? What about circumstance? Do you think the degree to which you exercise control over your life have roots in biology? Do you feel like the CEO of your life, a victim of circumstance, or something in between?
