Wow! The happy truth behind belief
This week, I continued my study of “Sapiens” by Yuval Noah Harrari in an attempt to better understand Human psychology and to become a better entreprenuer. This week I learned more about what belief has done for our species. The human species is the only species on our planet that can believe in something it cannot see. This single adaptation has proven vital in our distinction from other species. Abstract thought, according to Harrari is the basis of our modern society. It is the distinction in human evolution. It is what unifies people. The only thing that unifies people to work together for a common goal. In the book, Harari points out that all other animals are incapable of working together in large groups. According to scientists, the peak number of non-human animals that can coexist tops out around 150. Humans, on the other hand can live in cities of millions of people, and form countries of billions of people. This is a result of our belief in abstract thought.
What is a business? Can you physically touch it? See it? Taste it? No. At the end of the day, a business is not really a thing. It is an idea. You could argue that a business makes physical things and is run by people, but those are results of the thought of a business. This is a key discovery and crucial element of human evolution. Abstract thought, whether it be national boundaries, companies, to religions, unify people and allow them to work together for a common goal. So, what does this have to do with entrepreneurship? Everyone needs goals and beliefs to work for. Without them we can never progress and we will never reach our true potential. Believe in something. Believe in your business. Beleive in your staff. That is what we were evolved to do. And it is what will make you successful. Belief, and teamwork.
