One of the most counterintuitive truths about evolutionary psychology: the struggle against it often makes it worse. Acceptance — clearly misunderstood — is one of the most powerful tools available.
What Acceptance of Evolutionary Psychology Actually Means
Acceptance does NOT mean:
- Liking or approving of evolutionary psychology
- Giving up on getting better
- Thinking evolutionary psychology is okay
Acceptance DOES mean:
- Acknowledging evolutionary psychology without adding unnecessary struggle against the fact of its existence
- Allowing evolutionary psychology to be present without fighting it into bigger problems
- Making room for evolutionary psychology while still living your values
The ACT Approach to Evolutionary Psychology
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) uses acceptance as a core tool: instead of fighting evolutionary psychology, you learn to make room for it while committing to valued action regardless.
The Paradox of Accepting Evolutionary Psychology
Many people find that when they stop fighting evolutionary psychology and simply allow it, it loses intensity. The suffering of evolutionary psychology is partly the struggle against it.