Explore the fascinating concept of idea exchange and its impact on human progress in this 17-minute TED talk by author Matt Ridley. Discover how the meeting and mating of ideas throughout history has been the driving force behind innovation and advancement. Learn why collective intelligence surpasses individual brilliance in shaping our world. Delve into topics such as world GDP per capita trends, cumulative evolution, comparative advantage, and the efficiency of earning reading light. Examine the division of labor in nature and human societies, unravel the Neanderthal enigma, and investigate early evidence of trade. Gain insights into historical examples like the stone axes of Mt Isa, Tasmania, and Tierra del Fuego, while understanding the power of the collective brain in fostering human development.