In the past I've made precisely the argument that tradition is a form of cultural adaptation [0] and we should therefore treat it respectfully -- and I've argued that some some cultures are superior to others. I'm glad I read this essay pointing out the (obvious really) tension between the two arguments.

[0] For examples of cultural adaptation, see this review of *The Secret of Our Success* https://slatestarcodex.com/2019/06/04/book-review-the-secret-of-our-success/

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