The Biological Reason Socialism Always Fails — Nicholas Wade

In this episode of Trigonometry, host Francis and guest Nicholas Wade explore the evolutionary underpinnings of human society, arguing that political systems, social structures, and cultural norms are deeply rooted in biology shaped by millions of years of evolution. Wade, a veteran science journalist and author of 'The Origin of Politics,' uses the kibbutz movement in Israel as a case study to illustrate how utopian socialist experiments fail when they ignore fundamental human drives—such as competition, hierarchy, and the desire for merit-based rewards. He explains that men evolved to be competitive for mates and resources, while women evolved to manage relationships and mediate conflict, creating a natural division of roles that modern societies often disrupt. Drawing parallels with chimpanzee societies, Wade shows how dominance hierarchies and tribalism are not just cultural constructs but biological imperatives. He warns that ignoring these instincts—through policies like mass immigration without integration, gender-neutral ideology, or the suppression of racial differences—leads to societal instability, declining birth rates, and cultural alienation. Despite the dangers of tribalism and inequality, Wade remains cautiously optimistic, noting that culture has historically curbed our worst impulses through institutions like the nation-state and international peace agreements. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the fertility crisis, the role of status in human psychology, and the need for policies that align with human nature rather than against it.