Why did humans evolve the ability to imagine the future, according to David Geary?

David Geary links it to two brain systems, the default mode network and the frontal-parietal network, which are far better connected in humans than in chimpanzees or macaques. The first lets people picture a desired future, usually one with higher status. The second solves the gap between that picture and the present, letting people rehearse plans and social strategies before trying them.

• Geary says people fantasize about higher status, a bigger house or a better job, never about losing what they have.
• Historically, gaining status lowered mortality risk for a person and their children, Geary argues.

Source: our own transcription of the episode. The full conversation is on Modern Wisdom (2026-11-05). Read the whole episode summary →

▸More from this episode