Evolution has produced a huge range of known species, 99% of which are extinct. Many of those species became extinct leaving no descendant species. What supports a particular evolutionary path in one environment may not support tin a later environment. Humans, with a possible existence of 2 million years and a ‘modern form’ existence of on 200,000 years are a new species.
There has been little chance for selection for such things as ‘coveting’, especially as the idea of permanent ownership is only a few thousand years old. The commandments are also a few thousand years old. There has been no time for evolutionary pressure based on them. Even if they codified earlier learnings they are not obviously geared towards increasing the offspring of those who hold to them. To explain further:
- Honor your father and your mother.
- You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.
- You shall not commit adultery.
Arguably these commandments would have encouraged more stable and defensible family units, providing protection for offspring. Adultery, however, is an excellent way to produce a wide range of offspring. This has to be balanced against the risks of conflict.
Although this commandant is most useful in preserving in-group stability it is counter-productive in dealing with competition with out-groups. Men killing men and having sex with women from out-groups is a very good way of increasing offspring. A warrior class is also a good hunting group, maximising high-value food.
If you succeed in this, especially from out-groups, your offspring will have more food.
- You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.
- You shall not covet your neighbour’s goods
These commandments are specifically in-group. You are free to covet the wives and goods of those who’re not your neighbours. Depending on success in developing your coveting into acquisition these could be of great advantage in producing offspring especially for men.
