Hybrid Vigor (Heterosis / Outbreeding Enhancement) is a term used in genetics and selective breeding. It is the increased function of any biological quality in a hybrid offspring. It is the occurrence of a genetically superior offspring from mixing the genes of its parents. (Wikipedia)
I believe that one of the best things we can do as people is mix. Not just genetically, in the strict sense of hybrid vigor, but with ideas as well. As sentient human beings we can mix with intention. We can evaluate different ideas and pick the best parts, which we can combine in new and interesting ways. Truly original ideas are pretty impossible to come up with. Instead, I think most “new” ideas are the result of mixing old ideas in novel ways.
I think the best way to do this is to embrace diversity. The more varied a person’s experiences, knowledge and skills, the larger the pool of ideas they have to draw on. As such, I’ve always made an effort to explore and absorb different subjects, with an emphasis on things that are usually thought of as opposites. I enjoy cooking and carpentry, sports and sewing, nature and technology, studying and sweating, and eating just about anything!
The Universe Verse is a direct product of that philosophy. It’s a combination of my passion for art and science, two things which are often thought of as diametrically opposed. Hopefully the combination will benefit from some hybrid vigor.
Download the Universe Verse Books 1 & 2 by emailing DunbarJam at gmail, or preview both books online at JLDunbar.com
Hybrid Vigor 