western societies' adoption of monogamy (influenced heavily by the catholic church) began in the early middle ages. it created greater social stability, reduced intra-male competition, and fostered cooperation. while elite men continued to have mistresses, such an arrangement became less and less socially acceptable over time. a monogamous structure enabled economic growth and innovation by shifting energy from competition for mates to broader societal contributions. monogamy is what made the age of exploration and the industrial revolution possible.
DEUS VULT