Mindscape 134 | Robert Sapolsky on Why We Behave the Way We Do

Поделиться
HTML-код
  • Опубликовано: 14 фев 2021
  • Patreon: / seanmcarroll
    A common argument against free will is that human behavior is not freely chosen, but rather determined by a number of factors. So what are those factors, anyway? There’s no one better equipped to answer this question than Robert Sapolsky, a leading psychoneurobiologist who has studied human behavior from a variety of angles. In this conversation we follow the path Sapolsky sets out in his bestselling book Behave, where he examines the influences on our behavior from a variety of timescales, from the very short (signals from the amygdala) to the quite ancient (genetic factors tracing back tens of thousands of years and more). It’s a dizzying tour that helps us understand the complexity of human action.
    Robert Sapolsky received his Ph.D. in neuroendocrinology from Rockefeller University. He is currently the John and Cynthia Fry Gunn Professor of Biology, Neurology, and Neurosurgery at Stanford University. His awards include a MacArthur Fellowship, the McGovern Award from the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and Wonderfest’s Carl Sagan Prize for Science Popularization.
    Blog post with audio player, show notes, and transcript: www.preposterousuniverse.com/...
    Mindscape Podcast playlist: • Mindscape Podcast
    #podcast #ideas #science #philosophy #culture
  • НаукаНаука

Комментарии • 558

  • @benyamin6085
    @benyamin6085 3 года назад +180

    Finally the GOAT, Robert Sapolsky

    • @thenewtowncryer
      @thenewtowncryer 3 года назад +3

      Sapolsky is absolutely worthy of the title, but Chomsky will always be my #1 GOAT. Shout out to Keekorok.

    • @winryanYouTube
      @winryanYouTube 3 года назад +1

      @@thenewtowncryer There is no GOAT you silly pleb. Stop being simple.

    • @SnoopGotTheScoop
      @SnoopGotTheScoop 3 года назад +6

      @@winryanRUclips the DUDE from the big lebowski is the GOAT

    • @thenewtowncryer
      @thenewtowncryer 3 года назад +11

      @@winryanRUclips your nasty comment is unprovoked and speaks volumes not only about your character, but the character of the people who raised you....and...you happen to be wrong, but being wrong is the least of your problems. Keep it up.

    • @mikemoss2275
      @mikemoss2275 3 года назад +4

      @@thenewtowncryer All of you need to read : Behave !

  • @JSambrook
    @JSambrook 3 года назад +107

    I think I will always be grateful for Robert Sapolsky’s work. His Stanford lecture series is gold.

    • @thenewtowncryer
      @thenewtowncryer 2 года назад +5

      solid gold!

    • @aspektx
      @aspektx Год назад +5

      Opened an entirely new world to me.

    • @tonyanthony5582
      @tonyanthony5582 11 месяцев назад +3

      I agree pure Gold 4sure

    • @tombrennan85
      @tombrennan85 9 месяцев назад

      😅😅😅😅

    • @MrManny075
      @MrManny075 4 месяца назад

      for those who want to avoid reality or let's say responsibility for their actions.

  • @fakename4683
    @fakename4683 3 года назад +87

    Sapolsky gave a lecture in depression that finally convinced me to see a doc. It changed my life. Thank you!

    • @sakuraa2008
      @sakuraa2008 2 года назад +3

      Please, Where can I find it?

    • @blasramones4515
      @blasramones4515 2 года назад +1

      @@sakuraa2008 I Believe Is This One: ruclips.net/video/NOAgplgTxfc/видео.html

    • @lindakautzman7388
      @lindakautzman7388 Год назад +2

      @@sakuraa2008 Google robert sapolsky on youtube.RUclips. a series of 22 lectures given to Stanford student were video taped and made free to the public on RUclips.. one of the lectures is on depression.

    • @mozartsbumbumsrus7750
      @mozartsbumbumsrus7750 Год назад +3

      Sapolsky admits to serious deep clinical depression so, he should know a thing or three about it as he's very well placed!

    • @JRBNinetynine-mf6gy
      @JRBNinetynine-mf6gy Год назад

      ​@@mozartsbumbumsrus7750 Take walk for a mile in my shoes.
      Edit. Was this misunderstood? It was supposed to suggest having experienced something one knows it better.

  • @NoActuallyGo-KCUF-Yourself
    @NoActuallyGo-KCUF-Yourself 3 года назад +244

    I rewatch the Sapolsky psychology lectures every year or two; they are so good!

    • @ZippyLeroux
      @ZippyLeroux 3 года назад +3

      @@sailorr4287 can you elaborate please?

    • @arcticwolf6402
      @arcticwolf6402 3 года назад +6

      @@ZippyLeroux he can't

    • @johnnyringo7928
      @johnnyringo7928 3 года назад +1

      Myself as well

    • @userNo31909580
      @userNo31909580 3 года назад +1

      @@ZippyLeroux Even if he won't, remember that we like Sapolsky for how interesting he is as a speaker. That ability doesn't necessarily reflect better ability as a scientist.

    • @ZippyLeroux
      @ZippyLeroux 3 года назад +10

      @@userNo31909580 I watch Sapolsky for what I interpret as profound scientific rigour, which has been demonstrated over a lifetime of work... That guy's blase statement about Sapolsky being careless is uniquely bizarre and deserving of further exploration... I can read and understand 'behave' but I can't do the chemistry, biology, and statistics upon which it is based. So maybe sailor knows something I don't.

  • @Emanresu56
    @Emanresu56 3 года назад +188

    I see Sapolsky, I hit like.

    • @Toocrash
      @Toocrash 3 года назад +4

      ..same..

    • @wayfa13
      @wayfa13 3 года назад +7

      I too have no free will

    • @KirilIliev_Utube
      @KirilIliev_Utube 3 года назад +4

      ... me too. I hit like before I scrolled to the comments. Sapolsky is so right :)

    • @lancewalker2595
      @lancewalker2595 3 года назад +1

      That's not very scientific.

    • @Emanresu56
      @Emanresu56 3 года назад +1

      @@lancewalker2595 At the same time science isn't a religion. For example, liking music or art (or specific genres of music/styles of art, specific artists, etc) isn't a very scientific thing either. But I still like music and art and have preferences for those things. Likewise there's nothing logically preventing us from having favorite scientists.

  • @ytinformes2
    @ytinformes2 3 года назад +157

    My favorite theoretical physicist interviewing my favorite neuroscientist. Pinch me someone, I am dreaming.

    • @blaeks
      @blaeks 3 года назад +8

      marry me

    • @bigbrownsound
      @bigbrownsound 3 года назад +4

      You beat me to it!

    • @alha6424
      @alha6424 3 года назад

      l)/l)l@@blaeks)l

    • @Amethyst_Friend
      @Amethyst_Friend 2 года назад +1

      Where are you? If you're in the UK a pinching could be arranged.

    • @TR-lb4om
      @TR-lb4om 2 года назад +2

      @@blaeks waah bhai.!

  • @mikemoss2275
    @mikemoss2275 3 года назад +57

    Finally he invited the most inspiring neurobiologist Thumbs Up Sean

  • @blaeks
    @blaeks 3 года назад +18

    So I suggest _both_ text and audio, while walking through Sapolsky's 'Behave'.
    Lazer focus, pure transformative knowledge. My life is completely transformed into something completely different over the years after I digested all these lectures for the first time.
    It is really transformative. I am lucky to be alive, lucky to write this, lucky to exchange with similar people.
    Al my 'social' networks are full of support, knowledge and radical exchange.
    So, it IS possible.
    Stay cool, and optionally remain baboon-like as much as possible;)

  • @winryanYouTube
    @winryanYouTube 3 года назад +56

    One of my fav humans walking the earth. Thanks for having him on. Good talk!

    • @mysterymaverick1982
      @mysterymaverick1982 3 года назад +3

      Mine too was just saying how smart this guy is and it's people like him and Paul stamets who could change the world.

  • @xploringangel4705
    @xploringangel4705 3 года назад +24

    Let’s admire how incredible of a speaker Robert Sapolsky is, seriously!

  • @sarahbujtas9864
    @sarahbujtas9864 3 года назад +45

    "One of the things that we've been taught over these last four years is that you can't reason somebody out of a stance that they weren't reasoned into in the first place."

    • @pleroma49
      @pleroma49 3 года назад +3

      You noticed...🤣

    • @jamesdewane1642
      @jamesdewane1642 3 года назад +4

      And this a few seconds later. "... they probably feel that way because they've gotten some crappy deal along the way." If Sapolsky is anywhere near as smart as he gets credit for, he knows everything he said connected to "the last four years" can be heard in more than one way. Plenty of irrationality all around. Even most con men are acting out some kind if wound. If Sapolsky believes his own insight, he would advocate for looking into the crappy deals in everyone's past, and not allow his audience to assume they're in the right while others are wrong.

    • @naturallaw1733
      @naturallaw1733 3 года назад

      Love that quote.. 👌

    • @naturallaw1733
      @naturallaw1733 3 года назад

      @@SuperSlik50 😫 😩 🥺

    • @kynikoi_6867
      @kynikoi_6867 2 года назад +5

      "No rational argument will have a rational effect on a man who does not want to adopt a rational attitude."
      -Karl Popper

  • @alphacentiari
    @alphacentiari 3 года назад +11

    Great guest great conversation Sean! Nothing more entertaining than listening to two intellectual beings having a conversation!

  • @Amir-vw6rk
    @Amir-vw6rk 3 года назад +39

    Finally!!!!!!! Ive been waiting for this episode for my whole life

    • @mrloop1530
      @mrloop1530 3 года назад +1

      Pretty impressive for a two year old. You should pad yourself on the back 😋

    • @Amir-vw6rk
      @Amir-vw6rk 3 года назад

      @@mrloop1530 )))

    • @jeremydoerksen5988
      @jeremydoerksen5988 3 года назад +1

      Right?

  • @shantumjha804
    @shantumjha804 3 года назад +25

    Sapolsky enlightens every time.

  • @DeepBlueWho
    @DeepBlueWho 3 года назад +25

    Jokes on you, Sean Carroll!! I’ve actually watched the 76ers on mute, while listening to an episode of Mindscape! Therefore, not having to choose between watching a basketball game, or listening to a podcast 😛

  • @patricksee10
    @patricksee10 3 года назад +6

    Gee some one who knows what is really going on. I can rest easy now, thanks Sean and Robert for sorting this all out for the crowd

  • @danieljakubik3428
    @danieljakubik3428 3 года назад +10

    Fascinating and thought provoking! I quickly became an admirer of Robert Sapolsky with this podcast.

  • @AlanWil2
    @AlanWil2 3 года назад +18

    Sapolsky's Stanford videos are good brainfood. Two thumbs up!

    • @NoActuallyGo-KCUF-Yourself
      @NoActuallyGo-KCUF-Yourself 3 года назад +2

      Absolute gold!

    • @thenewtowncryer
      @thenewtowncryer 3 года назад +1

      @@NoActuallyGo-KCUF-Yourself Solid Gold!

    • @thenewtowncryer
      @thenewtowncryer 3 года назад

      Yes!

    • @youmothershouldknow4905
      @youmothershouldknow4905 3 года назад +4

      Best thing in all media, internet or otherwise: Sapolsky 2010 Human Behavioral Biology course on RUclips. The only thing that could possibly be better is a 2021 version of the course.

  • @TimLeahy2
    @TimLeahy2 3 года назад +7

    One of the best podcasts I’ve ever listened to. Thanks Sean Carroll and Robert Sapolsky!

  • @Souljahna
    @Souljahna 3 года назад +17

    This is a wonderful interview with the brilliant and inimitable Robert Sapolsky. Thank you so much, Sean.

  • @Drunk3nMonk3y72
    @Drunk3nMonk3y72 2 года назад +5

    Two of the greatest thinkers of our time.

  • @gr500music6
    @gr500music6 3 года назад +8

    Sean, these are wonderful! Unmatched interviews by an unmatched interviewer with a golden voice.

    • @AdaptiveApeHybrid
      @AdaptiveApeHybrid 3 года назад +4

      His voice is smooth as butter tbh. He could have been a TV host too imo

  • @nowhereman8374
    @nowhereman8374 3 года назад +41

    Thank you Dr. Carroll, may your telomeres be long, and don't let the baboons beat you down!

    • @thenewtowncryer
      @thenewtowncryer 3 года назад +1

      Shout out to Keekorok!

    • @BlacksmithTWD
      @BlacksmithTWD 3 года назад

      You really want Dr. Carrol to get cancer? Or are you just ignorant about the relation of the lenght of telomeres and Cancer?

    • @nowhereman8374
      @nowhereman8374 3 года назад

      @@BlacksmithTWD Sapolsky RM, 2004. Organismal stress and telomeric aging: An unexpected connection. Proceedings of the National Academy of
      Sciences of the United States of America 101: 17323-17324.
      Sapolsky RM, Romero LM, Munck AU, 2000. How do glucocorticoids influence stress responses? Integrating permissive, suppressive, stimulatory, and preparative actions. Endocrine Reviews 21:
      55-89.

    • @BlacksmithTWD
      @BlacksmithTWD 3 года назад +1

      @@nowhereman8374
      Both was another possibility of course. Thanks for your reply.

    • @patldennis
      @patldennis 3 года назад

      @@BlacksmithTWD he phrased his witticism correctly.. in the absence of competent tumor suppression activators and mediators such as p53, short telomeres tend to promote chromosome fusion, aneuploidy and cancer. Long telomeres good. Short telomeres bad.. That's not to say chromosome fusions are all bad-it seems to have occurrd in the human germ line once with respect to other apes.

  • @the_neutral_container
    @the_neutral_container 3 года назад +24

    I _literally_ opened up RUclips just now to see what Sean Carroll might have been up to.

  • @jeremydoerksen5988
    @jeremydoerksen5988 3 года назад +6

    Thank you so much for interviewing Robert Sapolsky, Sean! Love the interview!

  • @hiuller
    @hiuller 3 года назад +14

    Amazing guest! Thanks so much

    • @blaeks
      @blaeks 3 года назад +1

      We all thank almighty Chaos

  • @kevingunderson8905
    @kevingunderson8905 3 года назад +16

    Been waiting years for this combination.

  • @theWinterWalker
    @theWinterWalker 3 года назад +1

    I have watched all of Dr. Sapolsky's Stanford Bio- lectures...... The WORLD NEEDS more Robert Sapolsky.

  • @NajibElMokhtari
    @NajibElMokhtari 3 года назад +93

    I see Sapolsky, I hit like 2.

    • @ispearedbritney
      @ispearedbritney 3 года назад +8

      Just hit it once, if you hit it twice, it will remove the first like.

    • @ferouihamza
      @ferouihamza 3 года назад +1

      ta7iya a si najib

    • @arbitraryify
      @arbitraryify 3 года назад +1

      @@ispearedbritney thrice works as well, just keep it to odd clicks ~

    • @BobStBubba
      @BobStBubba 3 года назад

      I see Sapolsky, I go back to work on my long-awaited Theory of Scissors.
      It's a-comin', Robert, just hold on a little longer.

  • @mushtaqbhat1895
    @mushtaqbhat1895 3 года назад +5

    Thanks Sean for bringing Robert to your community. In my opinion, the book " Behave" should become a compulsory reading for lawyers,. judges, judiciary, legislators, polticians and perhaps in simpler form for primary education around the globe. It is what Euclid is to Mathematics, a compendium of much of what we know, think we know, believe to know about human nature. Although Robert has never explicitly dedicated much time to the sociological works of Emile Durkheim, Max Weber or for that matter Karl-Marx, which is not surprising, since he is an American, he nevertheless is well acquainted with the works of anglo-saxon anthropologist, who have based much of their work on continental sociology. No USA has produced no truly trail-blazing sociologist. Robert Sapolsky is however a trailblazer that could make a part of the continental sociology almost redundant. A must read for any daring Physicist, writting about the cosmos and the human existence. The maxim is ancient: Know thy self first!

  • @GeoffGroves
    @GeoffGroves 3 года назад +4

    YES! Thanks for getting Robert on your show Sean.

  • @paulsass4343
    @paulsass4343 3 года назад +3

    i first came across his work through the aptly titled teaching company course "biology and behavior- the neurologic origins of individuality" and what a title !! what a body of work! i suggest everyone get all his video courses, for his teaching presentation is a work of art in itself- nevermind the enormous love and compassion he holds for humankind!!! go get all his stuff!!!

  • @Iyad46gamer
    @Iyad46gamer 3 года назад +12

    What a precious gift!

    • @blaeks
      @blaeks 3 года назад

      Chaos is good to us this pandemic I see

  • @ExistentialistDasein
    @ExistentialistDasein 3 года назад +18

    Thank you for sharing this wonderful episode with professor Sapolsky!

    • @daviddean707
      @daviddean707 3 года назад +1

      I think he may be over-rated like Stephen Hawking, for me, all psychologists reiterate Freud, Jung and Adler and is why I gave it up.

    • @blaeks
      @blaeks 3 года назад +2

      ​@@daviddean707 It's the warmth of the truth he brings to us.
      And, remember: 'The relationship is the price you pay for the anticipation of it." ;)
      You, welcome;)

  • @doglabdogtraining-gus.8873
    @doglabdogtraining-gus.8873 3 года назад +3

    Robert one of the best teachers and scientists of our generation.

  • @sunnyy.7858
    @sunnyy.7858 3 года назад +4

    I read that book and enjoyed reading it tremendously. Grateful to be able to hear this conversation. It would be wonderful to hear a conversation between Dr. Salpolski and Dr. Barrett. 😄

  • @maddcow666ink
    @maddcow666ink 2 года назад +2

    Two brilliant minds discussing the brilliance of nature! So delightful!!"

  • @Ometecuhtli
    @Ometecuhtli 3 года назад +4

    Two of my favorite conversationalists in one video, pressing that like button couldn't be any easier!

  • @maxwelldillon4805
    @maxwelldillon4805 3 года назад +21

    Sapolsky is the much-needed cure to the free will myth.

    • @thenewtowncryer
      @thenewtowncryer 3 года назад +1

      I'm hoping you understand Sapolsky's concept of "degrees of freedom" when you say that.

    • @MrCBTman
      @MrCBTman 3 года назад +2

      @@thenewtowncryer Pretty sure that "degrees of freedom" is Dan Dennett's concept.

    • @thenewtowncryer
      @thenewtowncryer 3 года назад

      @@MrCBTman Degrees of Freedom (DOF) is a concept that exists in different domains. I originally knew it from statistics. DOF can mean different things depending on who/how it's being utilized. I took a little time to look into your reference, and didn't get a sense that DOF was being used/referenced in the same way, but I didn't take too much time. How does Dennett reference it? Sapolsky references it in relation to the frontal lobe (i.e. the bigger the frontal lobe, the more DOF).

    • @MrCBTman
      @MrCBTman 3 года назад

      @@thenewtowncryer Interesting. Thanks for that. I think Dennett was referring to how natural selection confers more or less freedom of choice to a species. A dog has a greater degree of freedom than a honeybee, which has more than a bacterium. With our ability to reason, discuss, and plan our actions, humans have the most freedom of all.

    • @thenewtowncryer
      @thenewtowncryer 3 года назад +1

      ​@@MrCBTman that is exactly how Sapolsky references it. Perhaps Saplosky got it from Dennett or vice versa. Either way, I think it is an important concept relating to FREE WIll vs DETERMINISM in the domain of biology which is where it belongs. The discussion extends to predisposition does not necessarily equal predetermination. It's nice to exchange thoughts with someone who is not a troll of sorts.

  • @donkifyed
    @donkifyed 3 года назад +4

    Thanks for providing a neat package to give to people as an introduction to Sapolsky’s approach. It might be more likely played than an entire book given cold as a gift would to be read.

  • @breant20
    @breant20 3 года назад +6

    Excellent conversation! Thank you .

  • @thenewtowncryer
    @thenewtowncryer 3 года назад +5

    Sean Carroll is one of my newer favorite thinkers, but I have to say there are things outside of his scope that I wish he would take interest in and include (e.g. human culture; in particular leadership culture). Robert Sapolsky is a long time hero of mine and can most definitely fill that gap. I can't wait to listen to this tonight. I hope it lives up to it's potential.

    • @mozartsbumbumsrus7750
      @mozartsbumbumsrus7750 Год назад

      I've gathered a piece to the puzzle that helps Sapolsky in his dilemma and I'm looking forward to my conversation with him!

    • @HkFinn83
      @HkFinn83 8 месяцев назад

      What is ‘leadership culture’?🤔

    • @thenewtowncryer
      @thenewtowncryer 8 месяцев назад

      Forgive me, but you seem to be asking as if you have no clue@@HkFinn83

  • @megankinnaird9372
    @megankinnaird9372 2 года назад +4

    Favorite podcast by far. Will have to buy his book.

    • @lindakautzman7388
      @lindakautzman7388 Год назад

      BUY THE BOOK, BUT ALSO CHECK HIS STANFORD LECTURES ON RUclips...22 CLASSES VIDEO TAPED AND FREE

  • @austinfox5268
    @austinfox5268 3 года назад +12

    Finally! Was waiting for this podcast

  • @PurnamadaPurnamidam
    @PurnamadaPurnamidam 8 месяцев назад +3

    2 people that are really really helpfull in life.

  • @Gennys
    @Gennys 3 года назад +3

    Oh great! A Sapolsky interview, thanks Sean. Woot!

  • @MicahBuzanANIMATION
    @MicahBuzanANIMATION 2 года назад +1

    Robert Sapolsky chills me out the way explains things in a calm, though-out manner.

  • @nirvonna
    @nirvonna 7 месяцев назад +1

    Quote: “Free will is just the biology we haven’t discovered yet.”
    Love it. I’m with Sapolsky 100% in being a “hard incompatibilist.”

    • @tomekczajka
      @tomekczajka 4 месяца назад

      That sounds like the compatibilist position though. An incompatibilist says "free will doesn't exist" rather than "free will is [...]".

    • @nirvonna
      @nirvonna 4 месяца назад

      @@tomekczajka I don’t take Sapolsky’s line, “Free will is just the biology we haven’t discovered yet” as literally meaning that there is actually free will hidden in biology that’s yet to be discovered. I take it as completely disputing the notion of free will. He means to say that anyone who still believes in free will has not yet fully realized the biological mechanisms of behavior that create the illusion of free will. He is in effect saying that free will does not exist.

    • @tomekczajka
      @tomekczajka 4 месяца назад

      @@nirvonna I know that he wanted to say (and says elsewhere) that free will doesn't exist. But I'm pointing out that this particular sentence shows what is really going on: free will is a real phenomenon that is reducible to simpler biological phenomena. Sapolsky likes to say it means it doesn't exist, but that makes as much sense as saying that water doesn't exist because water is "just" atoms of hydrogen and oxygen.

  • @andrear.berndt9504
    @andrear.berndt9504 3 года назад +3

    Thanks for the great episode and congrats for 130k subscribers ! Absolutely deserved!

  • @adelvoid1530
    @adelvoid1530 3 года назад +8

    I read his book and it's simply amazing.

  • @christinley5213
    @christinley5213 3 года назад +7

    Holy shit... 2 of my favorite people on one podcast!! I love both of you... with no free will in a quantum state!! Lol

  • @davidalbares5950
    @davidalbares5950 4 месяца назад +1

    I really wish Sean would debate/argue/discuss with Sapolsky his book Determined. I’d be interested to see how he maintains his Compatabilism

  • @BobBogaert
    @BobBogaert 3 года назад +8

    Our favorite friendly ethologist! Yaay!

  • @johnnyringo7928
    @johnnyringo7928 3 года назад +3

    😲 Sean pulled one of my favorite minds, Sapolsky. Well played.

  • @moonbeanification
    @moonbeanification 3 года назад +5

    "You can't *reason* somebody out of a stance that they weren't reasoned *into* in the first place... You can't reason people out of stuff that is just based on the most visceral of emotions."

    • @Vlasko60
      @Vlasko60 2 года назад

      Sam Harris cites many instances of people being reasoned out of religious beliefs that they were not reasoned in to.

    • @mozartsbumbumsrus7750
      @mozartsbumbumsrus7750 Год назад

      @@Vlasko60 Sapolsky was subjected to daily orthodox religion until age 13 when he realized that there is no god

  • @DaveSimkus
    @DaveSimkus 3 года назад +5

    What an excellent episode! Thank You Sean!

  • @BrianCarey
    @BrianCarey 3 года назад +1

    Fabulous chat thanks to you both!

  • @vitostan3134
    @vitostan3134 3 года назад +3

    This was an amazing podcast. Both are brilliant. Thank you.

  • @infinitumneo840
    @infinitumneo840 3 года назад +2

    Nero research is leading to profound insights on many levels of understanding. One how genetics and environment influences our decisions in combination with our biochemistry. I've heard it said, "In times of stressful events we resort to our training" (or lack thereof). It curtainly is a complex dance between awareness and and inherented constructs. Excellent interview with Dr. Sapolsky.

  • @happyactivehealthy100years4
    @happyactivehealthy100years4 3 года назад +3

    As all contributions I have ever seen from Sean, also this video is a brilliant contribution to the growth of human knowledge, and hence the growth of human wisdom and truth.
    I like the statement by Robert on researchers that see the solution single-dimensional, while the answer is multi-dimensional.
    “If all you have is a hammer, the answer always looks like a nail”.
    Both Sean and Robert take very good care of having the right set of high quality tools in their mental toolbox, and not just a few “hammers”.
    This goes along with the “fact” that generalist are better in the solution of complex problems. Especially if those problems are so fundamental that the correct solution has to consider that everything is entangled with everything.
    The secret lies in the right level of entanglement, which people often have wrong by ten orders of magnitude or more.
    This wrong level of entanglement, together with a wrong “model” of the system (believe-system) is an impediment to the growth of human knowledge, wisdom and truth.
    With my comment I want to contribute to the answer to the question of “free will”, which was one of the first questions in this video.
    On a meta level the two areas, Sean and Robert research, are very similar.
    Just compare Newton questions: “Why does the apple fall?” with the question Robert posed: “Why did you floss your upper right tooth first?”
    The answers to both questions are basically the same:
    Because there is a “quantum field”, whatever that really is, and then the “waves or components” of this system just behaved as they do, to cluster into, what we perceive as elements (atoms), which then cluster into bigger chunks of elements and so on.
    For this process of clustering it needs “dynamics” or “movement”.
    Hint: I describe life as “dynamic” and death as “static”. This is true for a human life, but also at any microscopic level in the universe.
    When elements have the ability to move they will create clusters, except they would in the next move, just move back into the exact former position. I would call this “pseudo-static”, ie. also death.
    What I now describe is a fractal mechanism which creates, starting with the big-bang, within several steps more and more INTELLIGENT clusters or “things”.
    Note: The steps could be more or less granular. I just happened used this granularity, because it seems right for the present scope.
    Step1: non-intelligent generation of elements
    Step2: non-intelligent generation of galaxies, stars and planets
    Result of Step2: In some very rare occasions the created clusters were planets with water. On the planet earth this same intrinsic mechanism of “things” that can move, created amino acids (organic material).
    Step3: (non-intelligent) In this self contained relatively stable sub-system, called earth, a still random process created by chance a structure that showed for the first time something we can call intelligence.
    Why do I call this “intelligent”?
    Because for the first time there was a “thing” that was able to copy itself. The first version of a gene 🧬.
    For a long time this copy mechanism went on. So now “things” do not only have a possibility to move, but also to copy themselves.
    The world’s toolbox now had two tools:
    1) non-intelligent move (accordant to the quantum field) and
    2) copying specific “things” (substances)
    By the way, the IQ of this first intelligence is very low. Maybe 0,00000001 :-)
    Result of Step3: Sufficient organic material with a distribution of material depending on how successful or efficient the copying works for the specific material.
    Step4: By chance a cluster of organic material remained together and also moved together. These now bigger “things” obeyed again to the same mechanism, where the more successful and efficient “things” multiply more rapidly and hence after many generations the more successful things outnumbered the less successful things. Let’s call this mechanism selection (Darwin).
    The cluster that was able to sense the conditions of the environment and behave accordingly multiplied better. This mechanism we can definitely call intelligence. But still it is maybe just an IQ of 0,00001 :-)
    Result of Step4: We now have a lot of “cells” that successfully sense the environment. This is a big achievement, because it is the invention of the biological transistor. A small part of the cell controls (switches) what the whole cell does.
    Step5: We now have all the prerequisites for the evolutionary creation of the brain.
    Note: As this comment gets too long I will skip some steps in my effort to serialize in words my model which I have in my brain.
    Result of Step5: Humans have developed a brain composed of mainly 3 brains. Reptile, limbic system and neo cortex.
    The limbic system is the boss. The neo cortex the slave.
    The behavior of the limbic system is implemented via “visions” that the limbic system wants to be realized. The limbic system asks the neo cortex to fulfill the vision.
    By the way, the evolution of intelligence has not stopped. We humans have started to create AI which is much more powerful and also very effective in transferring models without this huge serialization overhead you are just now experiencing in my comment...
    AI may even be able to control the fate of the universe if it succeeds to create a sufficient ratio between matter that controls and matter that is being controlled, i.e. the transistor mechanism.
    The second law of thermodynamics can be overcome even on a global scale with intelligence and the transistor paradigm.
    And finally I can come to “free will”.
    There is no free will, but humans in general will not notice
    If they should notice, i.e. understand why there is no free will, it does not make any difference. Well, if you commit suicide because you are so frustrated not to have a free will, ok, then it makes a difference... but only indirectly.
    The explanation why we habe no free will, is in the process of the creation of intelligence, which I explained in the first 95% of this comment.
    Ups. Anybody still reading? Sorry, I wanted to make a small comment on “free will”, but it, as very often, turns out to be a “water Lilli” question/answer, where when you pull on one leaf you pull out the entire plant covering the lake, as all leaves are entangled.
    What a great time and place to live in...

  • @matevzg
    @matevzg 3 года назад +3

    Another splendid discussion!

  • @AdaptiveApeHybrid
    @AdaptiveApeHybrid 3 года назад +2

    Oh man, what a fucking treat! I love Sapolsky so much. I've listened to every lecture of his that I can find.
    I have genuinely not been this excited for a podcast guest since Lisa Feldman's last appearance on Lex Fridman. Great work Sean!
    Also, I agree with Robert on free will! There's nothing pointing to it besides intuition and, since this is a physics podcast in part, we all know how vastly wrong human intuitions can be! Everything points in the other direction! A spooky thought but I think that's a poor reason to dismiss the likelihood!
    Someone get Robert Sapolsky and Lisa Feldman to debate free will!

    • @jellyicecream3324
      @jellyicecream3324 2 года назад +1

      Sapolsky has taken me beyond myself and I'm very grateful.
      🇮🇪💚🇮🇪

  • @tonymccann1978
    @tonymccann1978 8 месяцев назад

    The best takedown of Objectivism and so called rationalism I’ve heard. Bravo.

  • @Bostonceltics1369
    @Bostonceltics1369 3 года назад +2

    Powerful and Insightful, thank you.

  • @miguelg4556
    @miguelg4556 3 года назад +1

    Can't believe this didn't show up as a notification, of ALL things. Guess I'll have to click the bell.

  • @fredbuckles919
    @fredbuckles919 Год назад +1

    I and my wife are great fans of Sean Carroll as Particle Physicist also nice to see his stretch into other subjects.

  • @doublesandtrips
    @doublesandtrips 3 года назад +2

    Finally. I've been waiting for this!

  • @AtypicalPaul
    @AtypicalPaul Год назад

    Wonderful conversation. Very insightful

  • @jpick319
    @jpick319 2 года назад +1

    Two brilliant men, one brilliant conversation.

  • @mattgraves3709
    @mattgraves3709 Год назад

    I absolutely love Robert and his work.
    I am not sold completely on the idea however but love to ponder and learn more about why we do things.

  • @ryanlyle9201
    @ryanlyle9201 3 года назад +2

    Carrol and Sapolsky. Instant like.

  • @Intuitioncalling
    @Intuitioncalling 3 года назад +1

    Best mindscape episode ever

  • @sajidhaniff01
    @sajidhaniff01 3 года назад +1

    Thanks, much appreciated, Very interesting discussion!

  • @desgreene2243
    @desgreene2243 2 года назад +2

    excellent podcast!

  • @matthijsborgdorff7766
    @matthijsborgdorff7766 3 года назад +3

    Oh boy what a treat!

  • @elmerfudd5193
    @elmerfudd5193 Год назад

    Profess. Watched all your videos on-line….. Thank You

  • @shamaldandekar1359
    @shamaldandekar1359 3 года назад +1

    This episode is the highlight of the show.

  • @NN-wc7dl
    @NN-wc7dl 3 года назад

    Great discussion! Thanks!

  • @raamer
    @raamer 3 года назад +2

    Great stuff, Sean

  • @brankooffice
    @brankooffice 3 года назад +1

    Great one!

  • @viky293
    @viky293 3 года назад +2

    It's kind of scary at times I feel how true is the statement "Ignorance is a bliss"
    Please make an episode why do we still have problems when we know so much. I am not awaiting for answers but it's food for thought.

    • @naturallaw1733
      @naturallaw1733 3 года назад

      probably something to do with how people's Ideologies affect their Neurobiology. and what benefits they receive from it by way of their Ignorance.

    • @Vlasko60
      @Vlasko60 2 года назад

      One simple reason humans have so many problems is that we evolved to be hunter-gatherers and biologically we mostly still are. We did not evolve for modernity, so it may never feel right. The faster society changes, the more we feel disconnected. Same reason a chimpanzee in a zoo never feels quite right, no matter how many toys, or companions, or improvements to it's environment. It is still not natural.

  • @garyraab9132
    @garyraab9132 3 года назад +1

    Amazing!
    Amazing is the emergence of the biggest ideas in the universe, from a mindscape of quantum fields, in a functioning brain, self-assembled from the standard model of reality.
    Emergent complexity that strives to understand the complexity of self… and others… and all else!
    Such beauty when used wisely. CERN fMRI
    Yet such destructiveness when bathed in ignorance…
    “There is no scientific study more vital to man than the study of his own brain. Our entire view of the universe depends on it.”
    ― Francis Crick

  • @ReneBroekhoven
    @ReneBroekhoven 3 года назад +1

    I was halfway in his book Behave, but is quite long (and lots of interesting details and interesting side remarks) and left it fort too long on the table. Very nice talk now with a very insightful person. Now ready tot attack the rest of the book.

  • @ikesau
    @ikesau 3 года назад +1

    As mentioned at 1:12:04, the Joseph Henrich episode is really good too

  • @itheuserfirst3186
    @itheuserfirst3186 3 года назад +4

    I love Sapolsky's position on humans explaining their own motives. I've always felt that human beings tend to rationalize, and complicate their decision making in order to justify base reasonings. In other words, as complicated as we can be, we do tend to overcomplicate our decision mkaing, and reasons for not only being, but for certain actions. I think a lot of this has to do with our level of consciousness, and feeling that we are spearate from the natural world; yet, we're not. We are animals, and we have mostly the same needs as other animals.

    • @davidrobertson7881
      @davidrobertson7881 2 года назад

      True. We are how we are because of our environment and history. not separate.. history helps. environment is in front now. also individually temporary as an individual

  • @philipc7273
    @philipc7273 3 года назад +5

    30:15 Well that escalated quickly

  • @itstoogooditswaytoogood3211
    @itstoogooditswaytoogood3211 3 года назад

    best episode yet

  • @NP1066
    @NP1066 3 года назад +1

    Concerning the point about Gods and religion's evolutionary aspect, when he mentioned Josef Henrich and his colleagues. I really really suggest you interview Ara Norenzayan who's written the book "Big Gods: How Religion Transformed Cooperation and Conflict" which talks exactly about the points Sapolsky was making. In fact I'm pretty sure he was referencing him, which is great.
    Please! It'd be amazing if you met him!

  • @whatfffd
    @whatfffd 2 года назад +2

    Our emotional state nearly always overrides any cognitive awareness when a decision is in progress. To survive is our one true purpose and our immediate environment is the primary influencer. Our conscious fills In the blanks when multiple options are available. This is the only rational thought process but we are tricked into believing this all happens cognitively.

  • @sven-erikviira1872
    @sven-erikviira1872 2 года назад

    1:22:21 - That kind of anecdotes mr Sapolsky injects are my absolute favourites.

  • @TheEtAdmirer
    @TheEtAdmirer 3 года назад +1

    How is that even a difficult problem, To me there is no question. Science all day every day. Omg I just got into Roberts lectures over at stanford last week,Great stuff.

  • @georgemccaffery3260
    @georgemccaffery3260 3 года назад +3

    Fantastic! I've really been hoping to hear a conversation with Sapolsky for quite some time.

  • @belikan3
    @belikan3 Год назад

    Very enlightening and entertaining. And illustrates even the smartest of us are prone to error. As when Sapolsky uses "could care less".

  • @elgaro
    @elgaro 3 года назад +2

    49:32 what maturing means at a neurological level is mind blowing

  • @laidman2007
    @laidman2007 10 месяцев назад

    RS can hold his own on any platform. I would have liked to heard more from him.

  • @vernongrant3596
    @vernongrant3596 3 года назад +1

    Robert Sapolsky talking to Sean Carroll. Sean Carroll talking to Sam Harris . Sam Harris talking to Robert Sapolsky. All we need is Brian Greene added to the mix.

  • @johntenuto-motivationalcon8810
    @johntenuto-motivationalcon8810 6 месяцев назад

    Love your show john tenuto

  • @iainmackenzieUK
    @iainmackenzieUK 3 года назад +1

    Behaviours that result in climate change arise from our emotions. (fear, greed, need for security...I dont think many of us activly 'choose' to destroy our environment). If Sapolsky is right, and no amount of intellectual persuasion will change behaviours based on emotional decisions. We are truly buggered

  • @davidrobertson7881
    @davidrobertson7881 2 года назад

    really good. Robert has a heap of lectures on RUclips. he was younger and lecturing at Stanford. also really good

  • @Stadtpark90
    @Stadtpark90 3 года назад +2

    24:45 changing others people’s minds
    37:59 split-second racism and broccoli
    42:54 system two to the rescue - but only if you have a dissonance...