Human Adaptability

Human adaptability is one of the most remarkable and fascinating attributes of our species. Paradoxically, while we are fantastic at accommodating change, we often resist it. Yet, when we are forced into an adaptation, we end up enjoying aspects of it and keeping those adaptations with us even beyond the circumstances that required them.

The Florentines are one example of this phenomenon. They continue to eat their bread without salt to this day because a period in their history demanded it. Despite the fact that bread with salt is, in my opinion, more delicious, the Florentines keep that accommodation with them as a sign of pride. The things we adapt to, even when they are negative, become part of our identity and what makes us us.

Our family has almost finished remodeling our house. During this time, we were effectively both house-living and camping - unable to cook with almost any kitchen instruments, so we ended up using an air fryer, which is small and only requires electricity. To our surprise, we found that the air fryer makes delicious, crispy bacon. Even though we now have back again typical appliances, we still find ourselves using the air fryer because it produces the best bacon. It has become a cultural momento of our remodel.

Put another way, when we are wounded and get a scar, it hurts, but that scar becomes part of our identity. It is what makes us us. Similarly, the things we survive and adapt to become part of our personality, and they define us in what we can accomplish. In this way, our personalities can become antifragile. Antifragility is the idea that certain things become stronger when exposed to stressors. Going to the gym is an example of this. It hurts us in the moment, but ultimately makes us stronger in the long run.

Therefore, the things we adapt to and survive make us stronger and give our lives meaning and purpose. They don’t define us in their negativity, but in what we can accomplish as a result of them.