"Ever since the Cognitive Revolution, sapiens have thus been living in a dual reality. On the one hand, the objective reality of rivers, trees, and lions; and on the other hand, the imagined reality of gods, nations, and corporations."

Let's break this down. The heart of this quote is that humans live in two worlds simultaneously. One is the physical world—things we can touch and see, like rivers and trees. The other is a world made up of ideas and concepts we've created, like nations and gods. This second world is just as real to us, even though you can't physically touch a corporation or a country.

Think about it. Way back when, during what scientists call the Cognitive Revolution, humans developed the ability to imagine things that didn't exist in a tangible form. This changed everything. Suddenly, we could think about future plans, create complex societies, and develop intricate belief systems that helped us cooperate on a massive scale. This idea is really central to understanding human history and behavior.

Alright, picture this: you're in New York City, standing in front of the New York Stock Exchange. You're looking at this grand building, bustling with activity. The stock exchange is just a building, right? But the real magic is in what it represents. It's a hub of economic power, a concept of trade and value that only exists because we all agree it does. The stock market is a perfect example of that "imagined reality" the quote talks about. It's not something you can touch or feel, but its effects are incredibly real—crashing markets can cause real panic, just as much as a natural disaster might.

So, how do you use this idea in your life? For starters, recognize the power of collective belief. This can be empowering. If you're starting a business, remember that the value of your brand is largely what people believe it to be. Treat those beliefs with care. Build trust, tell a good story, and you can create something that feels as real to people as the ground they walk on.

Now, let's get personal. Imagine you're at a family dinner. Your uncle is really into genealogy and starts talking about how proud he is of your family’s heritage. He goes on about how your great-great-grandfather founded the first local school and how your family has always valued education. You might find yourself sitting up a little straighter, feeling a sense of pride. That’s your imagined reality in action. The sense of identity, the values, and the pride—all concepts, but they guide real emotions and actions.

This dual reality shapes a lot of our experiences. When you feel passionate about your country or cheer for your favorite football team, that's the imagined reality at work. And it’s not just fluff—these concepts can inspire incredible achievements, foster community, and even prompt you to make sacrifices for the greater good.

So next time you find yourself caught up in a heated debate about politics or feeling deeply moved by a religious ceremony, remind yourself that you're navigating that dual reality. It's part of what makes us human. And understanding this can help you see the world—and yourself—a bit more clearly.