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Originally Posted by Crompsin
Monogamy, while good for tax purposes, is generally bad for evolution.
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Actually, monogamy (for a social species) can actually be considered better for evolution than polygamy. If we relied on genetic fitness alone, rather than social relationships, to determine our species' future, there would be a lot fewer people in the world and our technology would never be where it is today. Monogamous relationships foster the survival variety in the human gene pool, and variety is the driving force of evolution. Sure, if I have three kids by three different men you could say I am contributing to variety in the gene pool, but if I don't have someone to help me care for them that variety will die out before it reaches reproductive age.
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Originally Posted by Crompsin
Dickheads rule: Evolution supports the self-centered human as the most self-centered man will probably be the most intelligent, most aggressive, make the cut above the highest amount of other males, mate with the most females, and other things like eat the biggest steak, drive the fastest car, and wipe his ass with the most expensive TP. It would seem individual survival is the best kind of survival, at least according to nature. It's the same philosophy they tout on airplanes regarding the emergency oxygen mask: Put your mask on first so you can help others aka SAVE YOURSELF.
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A scholar of social evolution will tell you that your individual survival is only important because you will help care for your children, your children's children, your siblings' children, and x other future generations carrying parts of your same genetic information. If you die? Who cares as long as your relative survive? The survival of the group, the other carriers of the same genes, is more important than the individual. Women may see traits contributing to an individual's survival as attractive due to their genetic fitness potential, but ultimately it means jack shit unless the progeny survives, which requires social interaction and cooperation.
Being a self-centered asshole, to me, is not at all a measure of strength. Family men are really the strongest men I know (it takes a lot to balance family, work, education, fitness, life in general), and a lack of concern for others is a big turn off. Sure, it can provide a sense of mystery that allows for initial attraction, but one night stands hardly EVER result in pregnancy. A woman is more likely to reproduce with someone she appreciates and is comfortable and practiced with in bed (orgasms DO help sperm reach the egg, you know) than with someone she sleeps with just for the thrill of it.
My two cents in a nutshell: monogamy is good for humans, pricks are unattractive, relationships result in more pregnancies than flings.