Nonzero

In Nonzero, Wright argues that the basic pattern of evolution, while guiding small groups of organisms and human societies, has produced a number of anomalies. In some cases, non-bloating growth—an evolutionary adaptation that may have helped early humans pass on their genes but is more destructive than helpful today—has led to “nonzero” growth. According to Wright, economies and societies have grown both exponentially and non-exponentially, with giant leaps forward caused by good ideas and the occasional leap back toward barbarism. The logic of evolution doesn't explain everything, Wright says; our social institutions still play an important role in shaping history.