I think the rule is not necessarily “smarter units make a worse collective”, but rather “it is more difficult to make a collective out of smarter units (but when it succeeds, it can be even better)”. Humanity is unparalleled at eliminating larger predators.
Bees sacrifice their lives for their biological closest relatives. Birds have small families, so the cost of sacrificing their life is an important factor. Humans also have small families, but they can use prestige and money to incentivize heroic behavior.
So my proposed analogy would be that smarter populations can win, but they cannot achieve it by merely copying the behavior of stupider populations. They need a new solution that leverages their strengths.
I think the rule is not necessarily “smarter units make a worse collective”, but rather “it is more difficult to make a collective out of smarter units (but when it succeeds, it can be even better)”. Humanity is unparalleled at eliminating larger predators.
Bees sacrifice their lives for their biological closest relatives. Birds have small families, so the cost of sacrificing their life is an important factor. Humans also have small families, but they can use prestige and money to incentivize heroic behavior.
So my proposed analogy would be that smarter populations can win, but they cannot achieve it by merely copying the behavior of stupider populations. They need a new solution that leverages their strengths.
Yes agree, unclear what you are saying that is different to me? The new solution is something unique and powerful when done well like language etc.