Chapter 6: The Possibility Engine
December 28, 2024·29 comments·In Brief
The dominant theory of human language, that we evolved a specialized biological device to acquire it, solves too many problems at once. Yet a simpler explanation sits in plain view: language systems themselves evolved to match how young brains actually learn, not the reverse. This changes everything about why we're vulnerable to symbols, stories, and the networks that spread them.
• Language is theoretically unlearnable, yet children acquire it effortlessly. A child's brain uses dramatically wider neural networks for language than an adult's. This isn't a limitation being overcome by a special language organ. It's the entire mechanism. The plasticity doesn't fail with age; it's supposed to fade, and language evolved to take advantage of that window.
• Language mutates relentlessly toward easier acquisition. Irregular verbs regularize, phonology simplifies, grammar streamlines. These aren't random drift. Over generations, language systems that made themselves more learnable survived. Those that didn't, died with the minds that held them. Natural selection acts on symbolic systems the same way it acts on organisms.
• The prefrontal cortex is built for possibility-seeking, not rule-following. Its neurons branch excessively in childhood, exploring connections across every region of the brain. Then they prune ruthlessly during maturation. A child acquiring language isn't computing grammar rules. It's a possibility engine cranked to maximum sensitivity, detecting patterns, cues, and relationships across every modality at once.
• Depriving children of language doesn't just impair communication. It damages their capacity for abstract thought, symbolic play, and theory of mind. The brain needs exposure to complex symbolic systems during critical periods to develop its full potential for symbolic cognition. Language and the symbolic capacity of the human mind are inseparable partners in development.
If language evolved to be easily acquirable by our brains, then everything designed to spread symbols spreads more easily too. Stories, narratives, new ideas, false beliefs. We cannot help but integrate new symbols into our understanding. The same evolutionary pressures that made language transmissible between generations make individual symbols and stories transmissible between minds.
The Why of Epsilon Theory
- Make more informed decisions as an investor and citizen.
- See through the nudges of Big Politics and Big Media.
- Become a better consumer of news.
- Maintain your autonomy of mind in a swarm of narratives.
- Join a community of more than 100,000 truth-seekers.
Unlock instant access to this and hundreds of other evergreen essays that explore the world of narrative through hard science and human wisdom.
Looking for Deeper Insights?
Unlock exclusive market intelligence, trade ideas, and member-only events tailored for investment professionals and active investors with Perscient Pro.
VISIT PRO
DISCLOSURES
This commentary is being provided to you as general information only and should not be taken as investment advice. The opinions expressed in these materials represent the personal views of the author(s). It is not investment research or a research recommendation, as it does not constitute substantive research or analysis. Any action that you take as a result of information contained in this document is ultimately your responsibility. Epsilon Theory will not accept liability for any loss or damage, including without limitation to any loss of profit, which may arise directly or indirectly from use of or reliance on such information. Consult your investment advisor before making any investment decisions. It must be noted, that no one can accurately predict the future of the market with certainty or guarantee future investment performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
Statements in this communication are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and other views expressed herein are as of the date of this publication. Actual future results or occurrences may differ significantly from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements, and there is no guarantee that any predictions will come to pass. The views expressed herein are subject to change at any time, due to numerous market and other factors. Epsilon Theory disclaims any obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or views expressed herein. This information is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities. This commentary has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it. Epsilon Theory recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments and strategies, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a financial advisor. The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.
