# Human Self-Domestication **Domain:** Human evolution **Doc Type:** Developed Hypothesis Node **Maturity:** Developed **Collection:** [[collections/Gamification|Gamification Collection]] ## Definition **Human self-domestication** is the hypothesis that human evolution involved selection against high reactive aggression, producing behavioral and possibly anatomical patterns comparable in some respects to domestication in other mammals. Candidate mechanisms include mate choice, social selection, cooperative breeding, and punishment of domineering aggressors. ## Significance The hypothesis explains how humans can become more tolerant within groups while retaining organized, proactive violence. “Domestication” is comparative shorthand: no external breeder managed humanity, and the proposed traits and mechanisms remain debated. ## Sources - Richard Wrangham, [Human domestication and human agency](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7250791/) - Thomas et al., [Hypotheses for reduced reactive aggression](https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01914) ## Routes [[wiki/Richard Wrangham|Richard Wrangham]] · [[wiki/Execution Hypothesis|Execution Hypothesis]] · [[wiki/Coalitionary Aggression|Coalitionary Aggression]]