I will further point out that the past of human cognitive development strongly indicates that our progress isn’t a function of our brainpower alone, but our cultural inheritance—and that the increase in complexity and power of our societies has been in large part dependent upon population numbers.
It may well be the case that exponentially-increases are necessary for linear improvements. Maybe not, but human history and prehistory don’t seem to constitute arguments against the possibility.
I will further point out that the past of human cognitive development strongly indicates that our progress isn’t a function of our brainpower alone, but our cultural inheritance—and that the increase in complexity and power of our societies has been in large part dependent upon population numbers.
It may well be the case that exponentially-increases are necessary for linear improvements. Maybe not, but human history and prehistory don’t seem to constitute arguments against the possibility.