The Caveman Principle is centered around the idea that we are still hardwired the way a caveman or Cro-Magnon (if you feel like being scientific) behaves and thinks. Based on this principle humans are always going to want to look humanoid, have first hand experiences and be among other humans.

• Men were hunters → They had to leave the cave, explore, take risks, and bring back resources (food, protection).
• Seeking multiple partners ensured genetic survival → Since women had a shorter reproductive cycle (pregnancy, child-rearing), men were more biologically driven to spread their genes by mating with multiple partners.
• Returning to the primary partner → Even though they might have been tempted by novelty, having a stable home (cave, family) was still crucial for survival and raising offspring.

Has Much Changed?

• Some argue that men today still have a biological pull toward novelty and competition—which can translate into flirtation, infidelity, or thrill-seeking behaviors, even if they are in committed relationships.
• Others say that while these instincts exist, modern relationships are based on choice, emotional connection, and social conditioning, not just survival.
• The “hunter mindset” also applies to career and ambition—many men still feel a strong drive to “hunt” for success, wealth, or status.

Counterarguments

• Not all men act on these instincts—biology is only part of the equation, and personal values, emotional intelligence, and cultural norms shape behavior.
• Women were not just passive cave-dwellers—many anthropologists believe women played a more active role in gathering, managing resources, and social bonding.

It’s an interesting theory that explains some patterns but isn’t an excuse for certain behaviors today.

Do you think men can evolve beyond those instincts?

“I personally thought they had evolved and I hope some of them have – to me when a man behaves this way, it just reflects a complete lack of education.”

I totally get where you’re coming from. While biological instincts might still be present, we’re not cavemen anymore—we “are supposed to” have consciousness, emotional intelligence, and the ability to make ethical choices. Saying “men are just wired this way” can feel like an excuse for immature or disrespectful behavior.

Some men have evolved—they value integrity, emotional depth, and commitment. The ones who still behave like primitive hunters? It often has less to do with biology and more to do with upbringing, societal conditioning, and personal values.

A lack of education, emotional maturity, or self-awareness can definitely explain why some men continue to act on their impulses without questioning them.

Real growth comes from challenging our instincts, not blindly following them.

What are your thoughts about this?