Humans have continued to evolve quite a lot over the past ten thousand years, and certainly over 100 thousand. Sure, our biology affects our behavior. But it's unlikely that humans' early evolution is deeply relevant to contemporary psychological questions about dating or the willpower to complete a dissertation.

In this quote, Annalee Newitz challenges the idea that human behavior, particularly in areas like dating and willpower, is heavily influenced by our early evolution. She acknowledges that humans have indeed evolved over the past ten thousand years, and even more so over 100 thousand years, but she argues that the evolutionary forces that shaped our early ancestors may not be deeply relevant to understanding contemporary psychological issues. Newitz suggests that while biology certainly plays a role in behavior, we must also consider other factors when exploring modern human experiences.

Newitz's point emphasizes that our evolutionary past does not necessarily hold all the answers to understanding the complexities of modern human psychology. She specifically references dating and the willpower needed to accomplish tasks like completing a dissertation, highlighting that these behaviors might not be solely dictated by evolutionary instincts. Instead, they are shaped by a range of social, cultural, and individual factors that have emerged much more recently in human history.

The origin of this perspective likely stems from Newitz’s background in science fiction writing and her work in the realms of technology, psychology, and sociology. Her approach often blends science and cultural analysis, examining how historical and evolutionary contexts intersect with present-day issues. Her viewpoint here challenges the deterministic view of human behavior by suggesting that contemporary psychology should look beyond ancient evolutionary influences.

Ultimately, Newitz’s quote advocates for a more nuanced understanding of human behavior in the context of modern life. It encourages us to consider the complexity of our actions and decisions, rather than attributing them solely to biological instincts shaped by early evolution. Her perspective highlights the importance of social and psychological factors in explaining why we act the way we do in today's world.