From Homo Sapiens to Homo Agens: The Evolution of Human Action

Throughout history, we’ve known Homo sapiens as our species, emphasizing our biological evolution as intelligent beings. But there’s more to humanity’s story than just survival.?

Austrian economist Ludwig von Mises pushed this idea further by exploring how humans have evolved through our actions, philosophies, and values.?

To Mises, we’re not just thinking beings—we’re acting beings, driven by purpose, philosophy, and the desire to improve our conditions.

Mises introduced the concept of Homo agens—the “acting human.”?

This idea moves beyond mere survival or rational self-interest. It’s about understanding who we are as purposeful actors and how we can shape our world by aligning our actions with our beliefs and values.

As Mises wrote, “Human action is purposeful behavior. Or we may say: Action is will put into operation and transformed into an agency, is aiming at ends and goals.”

From Homo Sapiens to Homo Economicus

At the start, humans were simply Homo sapiens—biological beings learning to survive, adapt, and innovate. Our early history was defined by our ability to think, use tools, and build communities. But as society advanced, we moved beyond survival, shaping economies, creating markets, and making decisions based on costs and benefits.

This led to the concept of Homo economicus, the "economic man," often used in classical economics to describe humans as rational actors driven by self-interest.?

Homo economicus is practical, always seeking to maximize utility or profit.?

As Mises noted, “In order to think about the problems of economics, one must place himself at the standpoint of a man who acts, of a man who aims at the attainment of certain ends.”

While Homo economicus assumes humans act only in their economic self-interest, Mises believed that people act with purpose beyond just material gain. We are dynamic beings driven by emotions, values, and philosophies. This leads us to the idea of Homo agens—the human who acts not just for profit but for meaning and purpose.

Homo Agens: The Power of Purposeful Action

Mises’ Homo agens emphasizes that every action we take is rooted in purpose. Humans don’t act solely out of instinct or to make money—we act to improve our situations, fulfill values, and live out our philosophies.?

This purposeful behavior is the core of Mises’ concept of human action: “Human action is not a behavior that is reflexive and involuntary, but is deliberate and purposeful, aiming to bring about change.”

This idea is not limited to economics; it applies to all aspects of life. Whether you are helping a friend, building a career, or advocating for justice, your actions reflect your goals and values.?

Every decision is an attempt to better your situation or to live according to your beliefs. As Mises put it, “Man acts because he is not fully satisfied and strives at improvement.”

Why Philosophy and Action Matter

This brings us to the importance of philosophy. Mises believed that philosophy and values are not just abstract concepts but guides for action. Living according to your personal philosophy and aligning actions with values is essential for a purposeful life.?

Mises argued, “Acting man is not only rational; he is also a moral being, who tries, so far as he is able, to make his action conform to the moral law.”

For Mises, it’s not enough to have ideas or beliefs; you must put them into action. If you believe in personal liberty, justice, or individual responsibility, your decisions should reflect those values. Philosophy should not remain confined to thought—it must be applied to everyday life.?

As Mises emphasized, “Thinking and acting are inseparable and constitute the essence of man’s nature.”

By living up to our philosophy and taking deliberate action, we embody Homo agens, because acting without purpose is like drifting without direction. In a world filled with noise and distractions, staying grounded in your values is more important than ever.

The Ever-Evolving Human of the Future

As we move into the future, understanding ourselves as Homo agens gives us the power to not only respond to the world but to change it. We are not passive beings waiting for things to happen—we are active participants, capable of shaping the future through purposeful decisions.?

Mises reminds us that “Man alone has the power to choose between alternatives. He alone determines his conduct, deciding which course will best serve his purpose.”

This philosophy is critical today, as we face global challenges like economic upheaval, political instability, and social justice issues. The future belongs to those who understand the power of action and who align their actions with their values.?

Mises' ideas remind us that purposeful action grounded in our values is what drives meaningful change: “In action there is always planning; otherwise, it would be mere behavior.”

Take Action, Shape the Future

As Mises emphasized, human action is more than just doing things—it is about acting with intent and purpose. The key to shaping the future is recognizing that every decision we make is part of the broader narrative of human progress. We’re not just Homo sapiens or Homo economicus; we are Homo agens—the humans who act.

Mises believed that purposeful action could shape not only individual lives but also the course of history.?

“Man must choose between different conduct, between personal advantage and the common good, between virtue and vice, between action and inaction,” Mises said, showing that our power lies in the purposeful actions we take every day.

The future belongs to those who understand this power and take purposeful action.?

So, what will you do? What philosophy and values guide your decisions??

As you look ahead, remember that your actions—no matter how small—are part of the ongoing evolution of humanity. As Homo agens, we are constantly creating the future.?

Will you be one of the creators?

Written with Ai. Directed & Edited by Joshua D. Glawson