ajblaise
Minister of Propagandhi
- Joined
- Aug 3, 2008
- Messages
- 7,914
- MBTI Type
- INTP
Hunter vs. farmer theory - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaThe hunter vs. farmer theory is a hypothesis proposed by Thom Hartmann about the origins of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and adult attention-deficit disorder (AADD), that these conditions may be a result of a form of adaptive behavior. Hartmann notes that most or all humans were nomadic hunter gatherers for many thousands of years, but that this standard gradually changed as agriculture developed in most societies, and more people worldwide became farmers. Over many years, most humans adapted to farming cultures, but people with ADHD retained some of the older hunter characteristics.
A key component of the theory is that the proposed "hyperfocus" aspect of ADHD is a gift or benefit. The theory also explains the distractibility factor in ADHD individuals and their short attention span, along with various other characteristics, such as apathy towards social norms, poor planning and organizing ability, distorted sense of time, impatience, and impulsiveness. It is argued that in the hunter-gatherer cultures that preceded farming societies, hunters (presumably mostly men) needed hyperfocus more than gatherers (presumably mostly women). Hartmann speculates that this gender difference is reflected in the fact that ADHD is diagnosed in over twice as many boys as girls.
Hyperfocus - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaHyperfocus is an intense form of mental concentration or visualization that focuses consciousness on a narrow subject, separate from objective reality and onto subjective mental planes, daydreams, concepts, fiction, the imagination, and other objects of the mind.
From a neurodiversity perspective, hyperfocus is a mental ability that is a natural expression of personality. However, hyperfocus can also be regarded as a psychiatric diagnosis, as a distraction from reality and a symptom of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder.[citation needed]
Some people say that hyperfocus is an important element of meditation. In common parlance, hyperfocus is sometimes referred to as "zoning out."
Science: Did hyperactivity evolve as a survival aid for nomads? - life - 10 June 2008 - New Scientist
What do you think about it? It's a very clean and convenient theory.