What if you experienced every human life in history?

TED-Ed2 minutes read

Life began 300,000 years ago in Africa near modern-day Morocco, living as one of the first humans, making tools, hunting, and gathering until death. Reincarnated successively as every human ever lived, totaling almost 4 trillion years, with each life impacting future selves profoundly.

Insights

  • Each individual has lived through a cycle of reincarnation, experiencing various roles such as hunter-gatherer, agriculturalist, and parent, with each life shaping the course of future existences significantly.
  • The cumulative impact of almost 4 trillion years of human experience includes cultural transmission, facing adversities like diseases and wars, and influencing the trajectory of humanity, highlighting the potential for either positive advancements or catastrophic consequences in the future.

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Recent questions

  • How long ago did life begin in Africa?

    Life began 300,000 years ago in Africa near modern-day Morocco, where the first humans lived, making tools, hunting, and gathering until death. This marks the origin of human existence and civilization as we know it today.

  • How many years has each human lived successively?

    Each human has lived almost 4 trillion years, being reincarnated successively as every human ever lived. This extensive timeline showcases the interconnectedness of humanity throughout history and the profound impact each life has on future selves.

  • What percentage of existence was spent raising children?

    20% of existence was spent raising children, highlighting the importance of family and nurturing future generations. This aspect of life emphasizes the role of parents in shaping the values and beliefs of their offspring.

  • How long have humans been agriculturalists?

    Humans have been agriculturalists for 60% of their existence, showcasing the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to settled agricultural communities. This shift in lifestyle has had a significant impact on human development and societal structures.

  • How many years have humans spent giving birth?

    Humans have spent 250 million years giving birth, emphasizing the crucial role of reproduction in ensuring the survival and continuation of the human species. This aspect of life underscores the biological and evolutionary significance of childbirth in shaping human history.

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Summary

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"300,000 Years of Human Evolution and Impact"

  • Life began 300,000 years ago in Africa near modern-day Morocco, living as one of the first humans, making tools, hunting, and gathering until death.
  • Reincarnated successively as every human ever lived, totaling almost 4 trillion years, with each life impacting future selves profoundly.
  • Spent 20% of existence raising children, 60% as an agriculturalist, 1.5 billion years having sex, and 250 million years giving birth, influencing generations with cultural values, facing challenges like diseases, wars, and environmental destruction, leading to the potential for positive or catastrophic impact on humanity's future.
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