Data from plant ash and charred bone fragments suggest that humans were cooking prey by campfire as far back as 1.9 million years ago.

The controlled fire was a turning point in the evolution of our species.

It provided a source of warmth, protection from predators, and an efficient way to create more effective hunting tools.

It also extended the day beyond sunset.

And with that, the way we interacted changed.

There’s something about fire that bonds people.

It mellows you.

Excites you.

Conversation that was focused on productivity, consumption and wealth during the day, became about telling stories at night.

People started sharing more emotion, showing greater empathy and were more willing to cooperate.

Social connected was promoted.

And the culture flourished.

Campfires hearten us to think less and feel more.

To reflect on our experiences.

To share our successes AND our failures.

Which when added up, skyrockets learning.

The question is, do we always need darkness and a flame to create a fire?