Natural Selection and the Origin of Economic Growth

Abstract

This research develops an evolutionary growth theory that captures the interplay between the evolution of mankind and economic growth since the emergence of the human species. The theory suggests that the struggle for survival that had characterized most of human existence stimulated a process of natural selection and generated an evolutionary advantage to human traits that were complementary to the growth process, triggering the take-off from an epoch of stagnation to sustained economic growth.

Keywords: Growth, Technological Progress, Fertility, Human Capital, Evolution, Natural Selection, Malthusian Stagnation

JEL Classification: O11, O14, O33, O40, J11, J13