---
type: source
title: "Does Humanity Function as a Single Superorganism?"
author: "Michael Shermer"
url: https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/does-humanity-function-as-a-single-superorganism/
date: 2024-01-01
domain: ai-alignment
format: essay
status: null-result
last_attempted: 2026-03-11
tags: [superorganism, collective-intelligence, skepticism, shermer, emergence]
linked_set: superorganism-sources-mar2026
processed_by: theseus
processed_date: 2026-03-10
extraction_model: "minimax/minimax-m2.5"
extraction_notes: "Source is a podcast episode summary/promotional page with no substantive content - only episode description, guest bio, and topic list. No transcript or detailed arguments present. The full episode content (which would contain the actual discussion between Shermer and Reese) is not available in this source file. Cannot extract evidence or claims from promotional metadata alone."
---

# Does Humanity Function as a Single Superorganism?

Michael Shermer Show episode/article examining the superorganism hypothesis from a skeptical perspective. Questions whether humanity truly functions as a single superorganism, examining the evidence for and against collective intelligence at civilizational scale.

## Full Content

(Fetched via Crawl4AI — content below includes site navigation artifacts that agents should ignore)

Think for yourself—and dress like it too. 🧢👕 New merch at [shop.skeptic.com](https://shop.skeptic.com/)
Reality-Based.  
Really.
  * [ ](https://x.com/michaelshermer)
  * [ ](https://www.youtube.com/skepticmagazine/)
  * [ ](https://skeptic.bignerve.com/welcome)


Empowering independent   
Thinkers Since 1992 
[ TM ](https://www.skeptic.com/)
  * [Articles](https://www.skeptic.com/articles/)
  * [Podcast](https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/)
  * [Data](https://research.skeptic.com)
  * [Events](https://www.skeptic.com/events/)
  * [Magazine](https://www.skeptic.com/magazine/)
  * [Skeptics Society](https://www.skeptic.com/join-the-movement/)


  * [ ](javascript:void\(0\))
  * [ Donate ](https://www.skeptic.com/donate/)
  * [ Shop ](https://shop.skeptic.com/)
  * Toggle theme
Dark Mode
  * [Log In](javascript:void\(0\))
  * [ Subscribe ](javascript:void\(0\))


[ ](https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/does-humanity-function-as-a-single-superorganism/#)
  * [Articles](https://www.skeptic.com/articles/)
  * [Podcast](https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/)
  * [Data](https://research.skeptic.com)
  * [Events](https://www.skeptic.com/events/)
  * [Magazine](https://www.skeptic.com/magazine/)
  * [Skeptics Society](https://www.skeptic.com/join-the-movement/)


[ ](javascript:void\(0\))
  * [ ](javascript:void\(0\))
  * [ Donate ](https://www.skeptic.com/donate/)
  * [ Shop ](https://shop.skeptic.com/)
  * Toggle theme
Dark Mode
  * [Log In](javascript:void\(0\))
  * [ Subscribe ](javascript:void\(0\))


![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/X0mZo0crJGA/maxresdefault.jpg) ![](https://www.skeptic.com/assets/img/play_button.svg?v=fc250294f3)
# Does Humanity Function as a Single Superorganism?
![](https://www.skeptic.com/assets/img/michael_shermer_avatar.png?v=fc250294f3) Michael Shermer
[ Subscribe ](javascript:void\(0\))
[ Share ](javascript:void\(0\))
[ Share ](javascript:void\(0\))
LISTEN ON:
  * [ ](https://www.youtube.com/skepticmagazine/)
  * [ ](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-michael-shermer-show/id1352860989)
  * [ ](https://open.spotify.com/show/4eDCVvVXJVwKCa0QfNbuXA?si=-EYivN2XR8-RzjlINEg6Tw)
  * [ ](https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6dd1a521-e819-490b-92e6-e6968f7d601a/The-Michael-Shermer-Show/)
  * [ ](https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRdTugBInz19PmwsPhMjrzABr7yPUl1ry)


**EPISODE # 410** Mar 01, 2024
## **About this episode:**
Could humans unknowingly be a part of a larger superorganism—one with its own motivations and goals, one that is alive, and conscious, and has the power to shape the future of our species? This is the fascinating theory from author and futurist Byron Reese, who calls this human superorganism “Agora.”
In We Are Agora, Reese starts by asking the question, “What is life and how did it form?” From there, he looks at how multicellular life came about, how consciousness emerged, and how other superorganisms in nature have formed. Then, he poses eight big questions based on the Agora theory, including:
If ants have colonies, bees have hives, and we have our bodies, how does Agora manifest itself? Does it have a body?
Can Agora explain things that happen that are both under our control and near universally undesirable, such as war?
How can Agora theory explain long-term progress we’ve made in the world?
In this unique and ambitious work that spans all of human history and looks boldly into its future, Reese melds science and history to look at the human species from a fresh new perspective. We Are Agora will give readers a better understanding of where we’ve been, where we’re going, and how our fates are intertwined.
Shermer and Reese discuss: • organisms and superorganisms • origins of life • the self • emergence • consciousness • Is the Internet a superorganism? • Will AI create a superorganism? • Could AI become sentient or conscious? • the hard problem of consciousness • cities as superorganisms • planetary superorganisms • Are we living in a simulation? • Why are we here?
Byron Reese is an Austin-based entrepreneur with a quarter-century of experience building and running technology companies. A recognized authority on AI who holds a number of technology patents, Byron is a futurist with a strong conviction that technology will help bring about a new golden age of humanity. He gives talks around the world about how technology is changing work, education, and culture. He is the author of four books on technology; his previous title The Fourth Agewas described by the New York Times as “entertaining and engaging.” Bloomberg Businessweek credits Reese with having “quietly pioneered a new breed of media company.” The Financial Times reported that he “is typical of the new wave of internet entrepreneurs out to turn the economics of the media industry on its head.” He and his work have been featured in hundreds of news outlets, including the New York Times, Washington Post, Entrepreneur, USA Today, Reader’s Digest, and NPR.
#### Support the show
Did you enjoy this episode? Show your support with [a tax-deductible donation](https://www.skeptic.com/donate) and [share the show](javascript:) with your friends and family. Together, we can make a meaningful difference.
#### Transcript
Coming soon...
## Member Discussion
0 COMMENTS
### Join the discussion
Become a paid member of Skeptic  
to start commenting
[ Sign Up Now ](javascript:void\(0\))
ALREADY A MEMBER? [LOG IN](javascript:void\(0\))
[ ![https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOJRUDYMEgg](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/uOJRUDYMEgg/maxresdefault.jpg) ](https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/why-the-same-childhood-doesnt-affect-everyone-the-same-way/)
### [ Why the Same Childhood Doesn’t Affect Everyone the Same Way  Mar 06, 2026 **EPISODE # 589** ](https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/why-the-same-childhood-doesnt-affect-everyone-the-same-way/)
[ ![https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGhUkqe9Zv4](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/eGhUkqe9Zv4/maxresdefault.jpg) ](https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/who-gets-to-edit-culture-sensitivity-readers-censorship-in-book-publishing/)
### [ Who Gets to Edit Culture? Sensitivity Readers & Censorship in Book Publishing  Feb 25, 2026 **EPISODE # 588** ](https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/who-gets-to-edit-culture-sensitivity-readers-censorship-in-book-publishing/)
[ ![https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBltLMIkw5I](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/hBltLMIkw5I/maxresdefault.jpg) ](https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/filming-corey-feldman-coreys-angels-the-weird-world-behind-the-curtain/)
### [ Filming Corey Feldman & “Corey’s Angels”: The Weird World Behind the Curtain  Feb 21, 2026 **EPISODE # 587** ](https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/filming-corey-feldman-coreys-angels-the-weird-world-behind-the-curtain/)
[ ![https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-2QakgqSfc](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/7-2QakgqSfc/maxresdefault.jpg) ](https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/can-a-skeptic-believe-in-god/)
### [ Can a Skeptic Believe in God?  Feb 15, 2026 **EPISODE # 586** ](https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/can-a-skeptic-believe-in-god/)
[ ![https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-Irwcsyaow](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/T-Irwcsyaow/maxresdefault.jpg) ](https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/shermer-says-6-jeffrey-epstein-and-me/)
### [ Shermer Says 6: Jeffrey Epstein and Me  Feb 07, 2026 **EPISODE # 585** ](https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/shermer-says-6-jeffrey-epstein-and-me/)
[ ![https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsPOsHbw29o](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/JsPOsHbw29o/maxresdefault.jpg) ](https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/the-evolutionary-roots-of-love-sex-and-jealousy/)
### [ The Evolutionary Roots of Love, Sex, and Jealousy  Feb 03, 2026 **EPISODE # 584** ](https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/the-evolutionary-roots-of-love-sex-and-jealousy/)
[ ![https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7v3Xer76DmU](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/7v3Xer76DmU/maxresdefault.jpg) ](https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/truth-still-matters-and-heres-why/)
### [ Truth Still Matters (And Here’s Why)  Jan 27, 2026 **EPISODE # 583** ](https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/truth-still-matters-and-heres-why/)
[ ![https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iZRwQ4ggFc](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/7iZRwQ4ggFc/maxresdefault.jpg) ](https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/shermer-says-5-what-went-wrong-in-minnesota-protests-panic-and-personal-responsibility/)
### [ Shermer Says 5: What Went Wrong in Minnesota? Protests, Panic, and Personal Responsibility  Jan 26, 2026 **EPISODE # 582** ](https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/shermer-says-5-what-went-wrong-in-minnesota-protests-panic-and-personal-responsibility/)
[ ![https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaWEprb4S28](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/TaWEprb4S28/maxresdefault.jpg) ](https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/government-transparency-ufos-inside-military-programs-and-classified-briefings/)
### [ Government Transparency & UFOs: Inside Military Programs and Classified Briefings  Jan 21, 2026 **EPISODE # 581** ](https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/government-transparency-ufos-inside-military-programs-and-classified-briefings/)
[ ![https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dJn86mC7iw](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9dJn86mC7iw/maxresdefault.jpg) ](https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/the-hardest-ufo-cases-to-dismiss-something-is-flying-around-and-we-dont-know-what-it-is/)
### [ The Hardest UFO Cases to Dismiss: Something Is Flying Around and We Don’t Know What It Is  Jan 18, 2026 **EPISODE # 580** ](https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/the-hardest-ufo-cases-to-dismiss-something-is-flying-around-and-we-dont-know-what-it-is/)
[ ![https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdqLHdDWfXg](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/cdqLHdDWfXg/maxresdefault.jpg) ](https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/why-survival-isnt-enough-the-deep-human-need-to-matter/)
### [ Why Survival Isn’t Enough: The Deep Human Need to Matter  Jan 13, 2026 **EPISODE # 579** ](https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/why-survival-isnt-enough-the-deep-human-need-to-matter/)
[ ![https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYqfGQbOheQ](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/DYqfGQbOheQ/maxresdefault.jpg) ](https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/shermer-says-4-venezuela-ice-in-minnesota-ufos-uaps-and-social-norms-around-single-sex-spaces/)
### [ Shermer Says 4: Venezuela, ICE in Minnesota, UFOs & UAPs, and Social Norms Around Single-Sex Spaces  Jan 12, 2026 **EPISODE # 578** ](https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/shermer-says-4-venezuela-ice-in-minnesota-ufos-uaps-and-social-norms-around-single-sex-spaces/)
[ ![https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_j3LxhxcBbc](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/_j3LxhxcBbc/maxresdefault.jpg) ](https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/mental-health-more-diagnoses-fewer-answers/)
### [ Mental Health: More Diagnoses, Fewer Answers?  Jan 10, 2026 **EPISODE # 577** ](https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/mental-health-more-diagnoses-fewer-answers/)
[ ![https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xVCxPLb0j8](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/6xVCxPLb0j8/maxresdefault.jpg) ](https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/what-makes-you-you-when-everything-is-just-atoms/)
### [ What Makes You “You” When Everything Is Just Atoms?  Jan 06, 2026 **EPISODE # 576** ](https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/what-makes-you-you-when-everything-is-just-atoms/)
[ ![https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA0x-CxkPaA](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/MA0x-CxkPaA/maxresdefault.jpg) ](https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/rethinking-the-discovery-of-dna/)
### [ Rethinking the Discovery of DNA  Jan 03, 2026 **EPISODE # 575** ](https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/rethinking-the-discovery-of-dna/)
[ ![https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZS4bl6jF6Y](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/6ZS4bl6jF6Y/maxresdefault.jpg) ](https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/how-one-black-man-dismantled-the-kkk-one-conversation-at-a-time/)
### [ How One Black Man Dismantled the KKK, One Conversation at a Time  Dec 30, 2025 **EPISODE # 574** ](https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/how-one-black-man-dismantled-the-kkk-one-conversation-at-a-time/)
### OUR MISSION
To explore complex issues with careful analysis and help you make sense of the world. Nonpartisan. Reality-based. 
[ About Skeptic Magazine ](https://www.skeptic.com/join-the-movement)
Think a friend would enjoy this? Send it their way!
  * [Join the Movement](https://www.skeptic.com/join-the-movement/)
  * [Donate](https://www.skeptic.com/donate/)
  * [Advertising](https://www.skeptic.com/advertising/)
  * [Contact](https://www.skeptic.com/contact/)
  * [Pitch an Article](https://www.skeptic.com/pitch-an-article/)
  * [Team](https://www.skeptic.com/team/)


[ Podcast ](https://www.skeptic.com/tag/podcast/)
[ Article ](https://www.skeptic.com/tag/article/)
[ Magazine ](https://www.skeptic.com/tag/magazine/)
[ critical thinking ](https://www.skeptic.com/tag/critical-thinking/)
[ health ](https://www.skeptic.com/tag/health/)
[ psychology ](https://www.skeptic.com/tag/psychology/)
[ pseudoscience ](https://www.skeptic.com/tag/pseudoscience/)
[ governance ](https://www.skeptic.com/tag/governance/)
[ religion ](https://www.skeptic.com/tag/religion/)
[ law ](https://www.skeptic.com/tag/law/)
[ economics ](https://www.skeptic.com/tag/economics/)
[ history ](https://www.skeptic.com/tag/history/)
[ academia ](https://www.skeptic.com/tag/academia/)
[ education ](https://www.skeptic.com/tag/education/)
[ crime ](https://www.skeptic.com/tag/crime/)
[ animals ](https://www.skeptic.com/tag/animals/)
[ healthcare ](https://www.skeptic.com/tag/healthcare/)
[ brodsky's culture code ](https://www.skeptic.com/tag/brodskys-culture-code/)
[ op-ed ](https://www.skeptic.com/tag/op-ed/)
[ Event ](https://www.skeptic.com/tag/event/)
[ evolution ](https://www.skeptic.com/tag/evolution/)
[ sex ](https://www.skeptic.com/tag/sex/)
[ philosophy ](https://www.skeptic.com/tag/philosophy/)
[ conspiracies ](https://www.skeptic.com/tag/conspiracies/)
[ science ](https://www.skeptic.com/tag/science/)
* * *
© 1992–2026 Skeptic magazine. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site's author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Skeptic magazine with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. 
[PRIVACY POLICY](https://www.skeptic.com/privacy)
### The Free Thinker
$ 0 /forever
Email
Name
Subscribe Loading...
📬
### Check your email
We’ve emailed you a magic link — click it to access your account. 
Ok
### Log In
Email
Log In Loading...
📬
### Check your email
We’ve emailed you a magic link — click it to access your account. 
Ok
### Popular Searches
  * [ skeptic research center ](https://research.skeptic.com)
  * [ pitbulls ](https://skeptic.com/article/when-our-best-friend-becomes-our-worst-enemy-the-story-of-american-bully-xl-attacks-and-the-campaign-that-banned-the-breed-in-britain/)
  * [ contact skeptics society ](https://skeptic.com/contact)
  * [ katherine brodsky ](https://skeptic.com/article/the-future-of-common-sense/)
  * [ pitch an article ](https://skeptic.com/pitch-an-article/)


Search by
