Guided by Yiannis Manetas, Professor Emeritus of the Department of Biology at the University of Patras and author, we explore the transition from the Paleolithic to the Neolithic era and the significant changes it brought to human life.
The focus is on the domestication of plants and animals, which led to the development of agriculture and animal husbandry, with profound biological and social consequences. Through his latest book, The Symbiotic Adventure, Mr. Manetas explains how this coexistence altered both humans and their environment through a bidirectional adaptation.
In the discussion, we uncover how the Paleolithic ethos and the altruistic values of Paleolithic communities changed with the advent of competitive societies, yet still remain part of our heritage. Our brains continuously adapt to social changes, and which characteristics—egalitarian or competitive—will prevail always depends on social conditions.
Produced and presented by Marilena Katsimi, journalist