Kasandrobooks

The Evolution of Intelligence and Civilization in Modern Humans

Energetic Constraint and Institutional Dynamics

Helmuth Nyborg

DOI: 10.xxxx/xxxx

URL: https://kasandrobooks.com/evolution-of-intelligence-and-civilization-modern-humans

Author

Helmuth Nyborg

Publisher

Kasandrobooks

Year

2026

Edition

1st edition

Format

Monograph

ISBN

978-87-975215-2-6

Abstract

This monograph develops the Environmental Harshness Index (EHI) and the MESTR framework (Migration–Energy Selection–Trait Redistribution) as an energetic model of recent human evolution and long-run institutional development. Across the Afro–European corridor, the book relates ecological harshness to genetic differentiation, morphology, life-history timing, cognitive performance, and societal outcomes.

The central claim is that long-term environmental harshness operates as an energetic constraint field shaping both biological adaptation and macro-social coordination. The volume combines theoretical formalization, ecozone comparisons, continuous rank-order analyses, and a broader thermodynamic interpretation of intelligence and civilization.

Suggested citation

Nyborg, H. (2026). The Evolution of Intelligence and Civilization in Modern Humans: Energetic Constraint and Institutional Dynamics. Kasandrobooks. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/replace-with-your-crossref-doi

Keywords

Environmental Harshness Index, EHI, MESTR, intelligence, civilization, energetic constraint, ecological harshness, cognitive evolution, institutional development, human evolution