Name: When ideas have sex
Uploaded: 2010-07-14T11:20:00Z
Duration: 16 min 9 s
Description: At TEDGlobal 2010, author Matt Ridley shows how, throughout history, the engine of human progress has been the meeting and mating of ideas to make new ideas. It's not important how clever individuals are, he says; what really matters is how smart the collective brain is.

At TEDGlobal 2010, author Matt Ridley shows how, throughout history, the engine of human progress has been the meeting and mating of ideas to make new ideas. It's not important how clever individuals are, he says; what really matters is how smart the collective brain is.

Matt Ridley: When ideas have sex

When ideas have sex

Human progress thrives on the exchange and specialization of ideas, proving prosperity is a collective, not individual, achievement.

Through history, trade and idea-sharing have been humanity's lifeline, driving us from stone tools to advanced technology.

Exchanging ideas like genes in sexual reproduction catalyzes innovation, driving human progress and raising living standards.