The Machiavellian Intelligence Hypothesis

The Machiavellian Intelligence Hypothesis suggests that complex social environments drove the evolution of advanced cognitive skills in humans and some primates. To succeed in these settings, individuals needed to cleverly manipulate, deceive, or outwit others, which favored better thinking, memory, and social awareness. These skills helped them navigate friendships, rivalries, and alliances, ultimately shaping our capacity for strategic thinking, language, and culture. In essence, developing mental sharpness was crucial for gaining social advantage and survival in intricate social groups.