The Illusion of 'Free Will', The Psychology Behind Donald Trump, and The Science of Stress

[@davidciesluk2433]

I've been listening to Prof. Sapolsky frequently since discovering him a couple of months ago. His viewpoints on different topics across various disciplines are enlightening. This podcast illustrated how he makes his point succinctly and with humble eloquence. He shows his genius while looking straight across to his conversation partners, not down at them. And to express his opinion of fascism infiltrating the USA right out in public for the world to see is courageous. A mind for the ages. Ya gotta love the guy.

[@StarPathHealing]

Best lecture on depression I've ever heard was by this wonderful professor.

[@teachnola10]

Not sure if you’ve seen, but he recently updated the depression lecture that was posted to KZbin several years ago. Think the new one has been up for about a month.

[@StarPathHealing]

@@teachnola10thanks! I'll look for it. 😀

[@GlenMcNiel]

@@teachnola10 I didn't know that! Thank you.

[@badmiddens]

Indeed.

[@irax3323]

​​@@teachnola10 15 years ago - I didn't know I had one until I heard him. Only than I looked up for help. But when I listend to upgrade I realized that was the third epizode of depression in my life 🤦🏻‍♀️ only the last time was severe 🙁

[@Ianbolton]

I can't get enough of Sapolsky right now. He's made me feel calmer and easier about my life after ploughing through his books and other interviews. His views on our legal systems blows my mind - especially when there are people who still think capital punishment is a viable option. So inhumane viewing a person's life on what they've done, not how they arrived at the point of doing it. Great interview chaps. Love as always. x

[@nodrog567]

Agreed!

[@dacisky]

I feel the same wayu.Him and Oliver Sacks.Astounding people.

[@Ianbolton]

@@dacisky thanks, not heard much about Oliver Sacks but the first 10 minutes of the doc i've got on is mad! 🙂

[@opossumboyo]

I would have to argue against this reading of the viability of capital punishment. In fact, i’d argue that Sapolsky’s statements would support some form of capital punishment in a rehab-focused prison system. If there are people who are fundamentally “broken” by their upbringing, how would we go about rehabilitating them? There are undoubtably members of society who, for whatever reason, will never be able to properly integrate into the world we have, and would pose a threat to others if they were forced back. Shouldn’t that mean that the euthanasia is a more moral choice? Curious to hear your thoughts. I understand that there are few nations on earth with a rehabilitation-focused system anyways, so it’s a bit of a moot point, but I think it is worth debating.

[@linmal2242]

@@opossumboyo Yes we have a few of those 'broken' or disfunctional individuals incarcerated for life for their horrendous crimes. The perrenial debate is to whether the 'State' has the right or need to dispatch them and how; with symphony or malice ?

[@jacquiwanamaker9321]

And I'm changed listening to Dr. Sapolsky. I know I need to work on relieving stress. Both for my peace of mind and for my physical health! Thank you!!

[@stevecoombes4822]

What a lovely guy full of insight. Thank you for bringing him to us.

[@KRGruner]

The man is evil. What don't you get about that? Are you daft? You don't even believe anything he says, so why the worship?

[@Weissenschenkel]

Knowing that I have no control whatsoever over most of the things that go around my life gave me a level of freedom that I can't describe. I still care about doing the right stuff but if anything goes wrong I don't blame myself if I'm sure that everything I've done was right and for the best interest of my community. That came after watching all Sapolsky's BIO-150 lectures uploaded to KZbin by Stanford. Also it's the first time I heard more in-depth details about his wife and family being with him in the field. Gotta love him: as professor, writer, storyteller and human being. Thank you for being who you are, Prof. Sapolsky.

[@jukeseyable]

that lecture series are the ultimate binge watch, ive watched them multiple times over the decade that thye have been available

[@veeday1146]

The best and most enlightening podcast yet. My brain is still buzzing from this man’s gentle wisdom. How to translate his insights to the rest of humanity seems nigh impossible. How many would watch it as a TV programme. If only!

[@BSamuel1874]

Gentle wisdom, what a fabulous expression!

[@drgeorgek]

He has heaps of talks on KZbin. He’s one of my favourites and to see him here is just bloody awesome!

[@KRGruner]

So I guess being evil counts as "wisdom" these days? Wow. just wow...

[@Time_Is_Left]

@@KRGruner Sapolsky is evil? Why?

[@KRGruner]

@@Time_Is_Left He is pushing a nihilistic, anti-reality philosophy, which he knows to be wrong, in pursuit of the destruction of western civilization and its replacement with neo-Marxist totalitarian values. That's about as evil as it gets. well, either that or he is a raving lunatic, but I don't think so, so I'm going to stick with "evil."

[@BestFitSquareChannel]

Love Professor Sapolsky. I’m 62% through “Determined .” It says so right here 😂 RS is brilliant, humble, authentic, engaging… entertaining. Big fan. His work has ‘changed’ me. Excellent conversation. Well done. Thank you. Best wishes.

[@christinepereira7622]

Woweee! What a treat to hear you guys converse with Dr. Sapolsky, I never tire of listening to his witty insights, thank you so much 🙏 We all improved our humanity scores just now 😃

[@christinepereira7622]

@@LaVitaNuova Knowledge gives us the power to change things, that is what I heard him say, that accepting there is no such thing as a meritocracy informs our decisions moving forward.

[@MrTheLuckyshot]

I have to give the interviewer kudos. Supolsky is making the podcast rounds, and Ive probably listened to half a dozen. This interview is different than the rest and includes fascinating personal perspectives.

[@fractalpilgrim1035]

Best interview of Supolsky I’ve seen

[@twiladevoll9596]

​@@fractalpilgrim1035⁷

[@marymorgan8728]

This is your best yet, Dr Sapolsky is an immensely gifted communicator. More of him please.

[@KRGruner]

He is no such thing. He is an evil man pushing nihilism on our society with the aim of destroying it and replacing it with a totalitarian regime (communism). Grow up already!

[@26beegee]

Dr.Sapolsky is my favorite scientist in the world! We are so lucky to have KZbin so he can educate people worldwide and not just in the academic realm. To be able to receive such a high quality education for free is just an amazing gift to mankind. Even though advertisers believe it is for them! 🤣

[@shawna6683]

Mine too. He’s written a lot of books too. 😊

[@batintheattic7293]

Thank you, Alastair Campbell, for being so decent as to be open and candid about your brother's and your own psychological struggles.

[@ianedmonds9191]

Agreed. I straddle the pair. I was diagnosed with a Schizophrenic episode and then after three months in Mental hospital I was discharged on a depot of jabs in the ass every month of something that turned me into a zombie for three weeks. In the last week I'd come to myself and resent the jab. After about six months I took myself off it. I stopped going for my depot. I felt better but I was still unemployed and around a highly drug dependent friend group. I'd already been taking speed to combat the depot and after a few months I ended up Psychotic again. This time it was incredibly depressive. I felt like the lowest of the low. I started to hallucinate myself sucking souls from people. I tried to access mental health help but was turned away. Ultimately I pulled a kitchen Knife on my uncle and he got my doctor out who had me admitted back to mental hospital. I was very ill. Tried Suicide twice before being prescribed ECT. Short course worked amazingly. Applied back to Uni from Mental hospital to finish my degree in Computer Science and competed it 2 years later. It was a struggle as the ECT wore off some negative thought patterns tried to reassert but I had the strength and distraction to press on. I graduated and got a job with an oil services company who I worked for for 20+ years. I've had a few wobbles maybe 3 over the 20+ years since I left the mental hospital but I'm good now. A life saved by the NHS and hard work on my own behalf. It's hard but you can overcome crippling mental illness with help and eventually with willpower. The help is totally and completely necessary though. No amount of will power can drag someone out of Psychotic depression. Stay hopeful above all. This too shall pass. Luv and Peace.

[@BSamuel1874]

Should bring on Iain McGilchrist

[@jeffkilgore6320]

Sapolsky is the one who ought to be leading this country. He’s one of the smartest primates alive.

[@djimiwreybigsby5263]

If only our culture was driven by cooperation instead of competition Condemnatory judgement seems to be the default zone

[@normbale2757]

No free will means we have no voting option.

[@samuelglover7685]

"He’s one of the smartest primates alive." Very nicely put!

[@jimosborne2]

@@normbale2757exactly

[@johnpower29]

There needs to be a part 2 to this. What a fascinating person.

[@rafaelmartinvannostrand2084]

I'd vote for make him a co presentor

[@FourTetTrack]

Stanford University has a course Dr Salpolsky gave on Human Behavioural Biology. It's a treat!

[@TheCorrectionist1984]

​@@FourTetTrack, co-signing. Should be required viewing for every human

[@davidwright8432]

There's already a Part 2 thru N in Robert's two books 'Behave (the biology of humans at their best and worst)', and 'Determined: Life without free will'. Plus, lots'n'lots of undergrad lectures which KZbin will graciously disclose to you on request. Enjoy!

[@noeraldinkabam]

You can see him teaching on youtube. It’s priceless!

[@MemeticsX]

Thank the gods for Robert Sapolski. We're so lucky to have people as good and smart as him in our species.

[@dasglasperlenspiel10]

Sapolsky's lectures on youtube have been fascinating to me for years. When I started attending university in the early 1970s, brilliant eccentrics, intellectually challenging, were a common type on campuses. Sadly, American academic life has been industrialized and commercialized to such an extent that academic life now resembles corporate life.

[@marcoortega5287]

Estou no Brasil e li seu comentário. As críticas progressistas no Brasil é que aqui foi uma colônia americana, significa que existe uma mentalidade forjada pelo estereótipo estadunidense o mesmo que devastou os indígenas e mexicanos apenas por poder e lucro financeiro. As universidades apenas amadureceram neste sentido, nunca foram diferentes, apenas ainda não estavam totalmente maduras em seu fruto neoliberal.

[@steveb3881]

Agree 100%

[@charleediaven6278]

I am contemporary but started in the late 60's. I went back in 2000, and wow, the stories about the absurdity my University had become. Once notorious for its difficulty, it was a party school with a hardcore science departments, funded by big pharma. Cheating is rampant. Good instructors live in fear of parents, tenure and low pay.

[@ronniechilds2002]

@@charleediaven6278I know what you mean. I finished high school in '69 and graduated from college in '83. I witnessed a good bit of the decline first hand, in real time. Honestly, the academic standards were higher in my high school than in college, a large public university, in most classes. It's absolutely true.

[@heathermariearmbrust]

Yes it’s called indoctrination

[@fr57ujf]

This is the first The Rest is Politics podcast I've watched. The fact that you are both former politicians makes your exploration of these issues more striking and relevant than if you had not been. It isn't just about abstract science, it's about how we can best deal with the problems of humanity. Well done. I'm a new subscriber.

[@ian_b5518]

oh top marks for talking to Robert Sapolsky. This man helped me understand my own mind from his outreach lectures.

[@catsupchutney]

Evolutionary biology is a tough hurdle. To listen to the observations, some people might be tempted to take away destructive lessons from these observations. I maintain that accepting the reality of some built in bias allows us to deal with those preconceptions better than to deny they can exist at all, or for someone to to think that because they have such a bias, the they should embrace it. Brett Weinstein noted, Evolutionary Biology offers something to offend everyone.

[@CalvinSMoore]

I could listen to Sapolsky all day.

[@mrsh810]

Read his books, they're really interesting and so thorough

[@simongarantini1544]

A deeply fascinating interview. If you don't have the time to listen to the whole thing start at 38 minutes, Mr Sapolskys insights are gold! Thanks to you both for making this interview possible.

[@johnbe]

I suggested to my followers that they start at 37:00 if they want to 'feast on the protein' lol.

[@patricianoel7782]

Thanks 😊

[@mrmonk7197]

How about non conservative rule has destroyed our cities, economy, and families. The eyeball test is enough for me.

[@AncestralFuel]

Appreciate it😊

[@joshuapowell114]

Thanks

[@s.lindburg8214]

Been listening and following Sapolsky for years. Love his Stanford lectures. His students were so fortunate to learn from him. He’s just brilliant!

[@miakeogh6844]

Absolutely marvelous one suddenly realised that there are intelligent people in the world after all. I am going to listen to this podcast a few times more thank you both again

[@sharonpetitti2895]

Whatever the reason Dr. Sapolsky decided to join you on your podcast at 1 in the morning I’m happy. I’ve watched several of his lectures from years ago, an intelligent and fascinating man. Interesting but not surprising how his wife’s presence impacted the field work of the baboons. Good work, keep it up guys! More guests like this the better.

[@Eisenhorn6629]

This, with some reflection & goodwill, could be an incredibly beneficial philosophy for many people & perhaps society at large. Thank you for asking some probing questions on it all to allow Sapolsky to provide practical examples!

[@IFYOUWANTITGOGETIT]

Sapolsky is awesome. A man who understands the scientific method.

[@karensu5147]

I love science but the "method"and hours spent carrying it out sounds boring and methodical. Science to me is the proof of a higher power putting it all together.

[@josephjones4331]

Lol! Are you serious?

[@IFYOUWANTITGOGETIT]

If an all-powerful and all-loving God truly exists, it seems logically inconsistent and morally perplexing that such a deity would create a world rife with suffering and then demand his own sacrifice as a remedy for conditions he initially set into motion. This scenario suggests either an inability to prevent these conditions without resorting to self-sacrifice or a paradox in the nature of divine benevolence and justice. Furthermore, the necessity of believing in this specific narrative for salvation, despite the myriad of human cultures and beliefs, appears to undermine the concept of a universally just and compassionate deity. How does one reconcile these contradictions without conceding to the idea that perhaps these narratives are more reflective of human attempts to grapple with existence and morality than they are of an all-knowing, all-powerful divine being?

[@davidspencer343]

​@karensu5147 how is science evidence of god?

[@gregorbingham]

OMG. You got Robert Sapolsky!!! You guys are ON FIRE! Well done.

[@BrandonHortman]

Yall are getting a great conversation out of Robert. He's my favorite primate ❤

[@johnturner2629]

Outstanding guest.

[@debhurd8898]

I could listen to Sapolsky for hours. In fact, I have. I listened to all of his Stanford lectures. He's the best professor and has a great sense of humor. Love him.❤

[@joestacey6185]

This is your best episode. A fascinating man. I need to hear more from Dr. Robert Sapolsky.

[@jonstewart464]

Sapolsky for world king! This was one of the best chats with him I've heard, fantastic to see his ideas reaching this audience.

[@anneother6224]

It seems that no-one can see what a charlatan he is. He looks quite like the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi too. And why would these sinister British agents be interested in him?

[@brisafey]

I have watched so many interviews with Dr. Sapolski. This is the most respectful from/with people who asked intelligent questions.

[@annegoodridge8174]

Thank you for exposing me to this fascinating man's mind! So much food for thought.

[@Rosalicious297]

What a fantastic communicator Sapolsky is. I am sure that there are reasons to have him on again at a future date 🤞😊

[@georgefordham417]

I was a Prrofessional Engineer. I designed water and wastewater plants. Ioved the work. It was very rewarding in many ways.

[@kalaish6424]

One the most mesmerising, fascinating, and uplifting podcasts I have seen. Sapolsky's gentle flow of insight and after insight is a breath of fresh air. What a great episode 👏 🙏

[@KRGruner]

Uplifting? Pushing nihilism and immorality is uplifting now? What in the actual heck! This is beyond stupid.

[@ddgamble10]

He obviously doesn’t believe in his own philosophy. How can Putin be a terrible person if he had no free will? He is no more responsible for his actions than a poor person who steals bread. There can be no morality without free will.

[@kalaish6424]

@KRGruner I never thought saying something nice would be so controversial. I found it an interesting and thought-provoking interview. That in itself is uplifting. You have confused the illusion of freewill with immorality. It's possible to be aware of the illusion of freewill whilst also being aware of your intentions and where they arise from before acting on them whilst taking responsibility for the act after its carried out. In a simple form its asking the question of why are we communicating to each other?

[@KRGruner]

@@kalaish6424 Saying something nice about evil is not nice. Not sure what is so complicated here. OK, the guy speaks articulately in a soft voice. So what? The absolutely nefarious nature of what he is pushing is unconscionable. You are the one who is confused by his BS: if you are not responsible for your actions (instead, your hormones or the twinkies you ate this morning or whatever are the actual cause), then you cannot have civilization. Sapolsky is playing games to make you accept evil. He says, for example, that you can lock up those who transgress (murderers, say), as long as it's under decent conditions. But why? Being locked up IS punishment in itself. So why is he inconsistent? And notice: if no one is responsible for their actions, then a 3 year old can be treated the same as a sane adult! If the toddler get a hold of a handgun, say, and accidentally shoots someone, it's EXACTLY the same as premeditated murder in Sapolsky's world. He must be locked up (but get nice meals!). How insane is that? There is CLEARLY a difference between sane, normal adults' ability to control their actions (i.e. exercise free will, same thing) and what a toddler can do. Sapolsky's shtick is to present examples where people indeed do not act under free will, and conclude from that that people NEVER act under free will. That is insane, but since Sapolsky is not himself insane (that I can tell), he is evil. He is clearly pushing this crap in order to promote a Communist agenda. Think: under his view, " from each according to his ability, to each according to his need" is totally logical. He won't come out and say it outright because he is a rat, but he cannot deny it. Bottom line is you are a perfect example of a useful idiot, a sucker, unable or unwilling to think things through. Grow up already.

[@philby27]

​@@KRGrunerthe irony of your blinkered comments against the backdrop of this open minded interview and the fact you can't see that irony is uncomfortably fascinating.

[@aca2883]

Thank you for hosting Robert ❤ he is a gift to humanity!

[@stewartcohen-jones2949]

Sapolsky is the man of the moment. The voice of reason we have been yearning for in these crazy times. You can find a video of him lecturing on trans people which goes against the anti-trans claims. He goes beyond basic ABC biology and goes deep into all the research. I’m so relieved this brilliant man is becoming mainstream.

[@corylus86]

I first came across Robert Sapolsky when I was studying behavioural ecology. He's an amazing speaker, an incredible intellectual. Great!

[@steveb3881]

For me, the best podcast yet. I could listen to Robert Sapolsky all day long. I love his lectures and his books.

[@johntenhave1]

An utterly fascinating and coherent discussion. It is the measure of a great teacher to make such complex concepts simple and accessible.

[@bunnywarren68]

Great to watch and listen to three humans in conversation, that gives me hope for humanity... Thank you. 🐰

[@TinaSotis]

What a kind, wise man - and interviewed by such enlightened individuals. Listening to this did my stressed-out heart good.

[@AlanKett]

What a guest! You found a real gem. My favourite part (forgive the paraphrase): The Serengeti is a great place to be a baboon. Your gang is big enough even the lions don't bother you. You get enough to eat in three hours of foraging. That leaves 8 hours a day to make life miserable for the rest of your troop. A great metaphor for humans! :)

[@JazzyKex78]

Sapolsky is fantastic. I could listen to him all day. He has brilliant lectures on Stanford website. The one about depression is particularly good. 👍 Great guest to have on ❤

[@HektorBandimar]

I could listen to this guest for hours what a very interesting gentleman he is. I began to feel myself relaxing as he spoke, it's a relief to know there are good people with his intellect in society.

[@neilphilip2320]

In eight years of listening to interesting stuff on YT, this has been the most engaging! I'll buy the book too - hopefully not from Amazon though. Terrific.

[@markbeecroft-stretton3314]

What a fascinating individual, really engaging and as close to emitting wisdom as we can hope for in these contemporary times.

[@jtrealfunny]

Great guest and interview. 33:30 Host asks a great question about the long term mental and physical consequences of the profound income inequality we experience now. Highly recommended.

[@BSamuel1874]

Best episode you’ve ever had. ‘What could a politician learn about studying baboons’ says Alistair comically ;) Robert is a once in a century thinker. His ability to explain the most complex ideas into simple accessible language is unmatched. His Book Behave is a game changer

[@KRGruner]

On the contrary, he is an evil man with grotesque ideas that he doesn't even believe himself (as judged by his actions rather than what he says). Start thinking critically, for Pete's sake.

[@tammyscott9664]

Robert Sapolsky…can’t get enough of this brilliant man. Thank you for a great interview…from Minnesota USA

[@knittingbouvier]

This was an amazing interview. Thank you for introducing him to your audience. Looking forward to exploring more of his insights and knowledge. Fascinating man with an incredible mind.

[@CIONAODMcGRATH]

Dr. Sapolsky displays his genius once again. Will I be reading his latest book? Yes. Yes, I will. Thanks for posting this interview. I've been a fan of Robert Sapolsky since I watched his lectures (for FREE) here on KZbin.

[@nickemery3101]

Thanks, Sapolsky is a great communicator and scientist. Having read all his books more than once and every time I learn something new which helps me immensely in my work as an NHS physiotherapist. Look beyond their immediate presentation to try and understand the why of their behaviour.

[@FernFokes-tu6vs]

Bot!

[@nickemery3101]

Why would you think I’m a bot? Very odd response. Would you care to provide evidence. If not I’ll invoke Hitchen’s razor. Looking forward to your answer

[@psdeakin]

This was a great discussion. Understanding human behavior is incredibly relevant to politics. Would love to hear more like this. Thank you.

[@seansersmylie]

The whole Stanford series is available here on KZbin and well worth watching. Sapolsky is great at teaching difficult concepts and making it easy and entertaining for the layperson to understand.

[@seansersmylie]

The depression one is a must watch for everyone.

[@redislandar]

Fascinating is an understatement. Enjoyed this introduction and have since indulged in several presentations with Dr. Sapolsky. Absolutely remarkable. 🇨🇦

[@sandyellis28]

Wise, insightful, humble guy. Incredible, thoroughly enjoyed this guest💛

[@godfreycarmichael]

Fantastic interview! Sapolsky is an important figure and intellectual. I am so glad we live in a time when we can hear from people like him in this format.

[@caroleparker6084]

What a great interview! He really should come back, this has more legs than just one episode dedicated to it!

[@ninachery1615]

Listening to dr robert sapolsky is the most calming thing in my life

[@tangoeasy]

What a fantastic interview. Met him in Kenya years ago! Handles everything from "The Spirit Level" to Ted Hondrich's "Determinism" to Rawlsian obligation... very compelling!

[@karinturkington2455]

My favourite endocrinologist. It's the presentation of the information that makes it accessible to listeners like me. I want my children to know how spectacular science can be and Dr. Sapolsky demonstrates that so beautifully.

[@richardcunningham5540]

Superb content. A wonderful guest and outstanding questions from Rory and Alastair which drew out an amazing dialogue for us to enjoy. Thanks so much.

[@George-jm4rn]

When I first read and heard Professor Sapolsky, I thought his ideas were absurd. But I listened to him more, read, and thought about his ideas more, and I came to believe he's on to something. I urge one not to dismiss him out of hand but to think deeply about his ideas. I think you'll be surprised.

[@Lancebins1]

I laughed at the end. By the time I'd got half way through I'd ordered a couple of his books from Amazon.

[@KRGruner]

Sucker born every day, I guess...

[@Markart50]

Robert Sapolsky gave me a highly educated view of life with Nuerosiance, and a wonderful level of understanding of the human condition, a brilliant individual.

[@bairdmurphy4438]

Was just awokend by knowledge

[@Jayanandou]

The best podcast so far , you guys need to do a part 2 .

[@maan8846]

But it also a two-way relation. When your health is poor, you are likely financially and socially poor. And when you are not having access to health care, and you are isolated because your health is bad, it only gets worse from there. It's the other way around then. Your bad health predicts low social economic status.

[@marcdavis2673]

This is absolutely fascinating. Brilliant guest!

[@joeadams8975]

'Hurtling people into who they are' is a quote I will remember forever. It sums up everyone's journey regardless of species. I've often said that we are all on the same journey, with subtle theme variations at the beginning, middle, and end.

[@natures_child]

In my humble opinion this is the best Leading episode to date. A truly fascinating interview with an amazing man!

[@tamjammy4461]

This is a podcast which I've kept meaning to get round to watching but haven't managed to. Couldn't miss Sapolsky being on it however, and wasn't disappointed. We badly need more reasoned discussion in the world, so ta to all involved.

[@rextable2000]

Wonderful guest and great interview! One of the best yet guys. Please can we have a pt2?

[@melissafranceschini]

Bravo….. from start to finish… Thank you for this episode. Dr. Sapolsky always informs and inspires. And kudos to him on the reply about Israel-Palestine. Truthfully and beautifully spoken.

[@shahlaahy4372]

Great guest! Have watched his wonderful lectures for a long time!❤

[@scruffydelilah1186]

I’m only 3 minutes in and my mind is already blown and I can’t handle anymore.

[@PhyrstNayme-gm7ej]

I just stumbled upon your podcast by way of searching for Sapolsky. Great episode! I am a long time fan of Robert Sapolsky and I agree with the other comments here. This is a Fantastic guest! Very nice pull for your channel. With guests of this high quality. I'm sure you guys will keep growing.

[@aborne]

Sapolski is the most self aware, honest person on the planet.

[@kensharp7291]

Congrats on today's podcast featuring the good Professor! Such a stimulating conversation that left me pondering long after it ended. Well done chaps.

[@neil_gg_]

Listen to Sapolsky's talks in the Great Courses series. Incredible knowledge and such great delivery.

[@Squarepeg57]

Robert Sapolsky is one of my favourite human beings. Amazing interview.

[@Sean_Coyne]

Sapolsky is an international treasure, so having him on this podcast was a real treat. I hope he publishes more for general consumption, particularly on ways to improve the whole nature and basis of the criminal justice system. I know he interacts with the system in the US to explain its shortcomings, but it still needs a wider audience outlining the science of his views.

[@robinmockli7250]

Wow. I find this concept so freeing! As someone who suffers from depression and suicidality, the notion that I don't have free will and am not responsible for the whole disaster is a great feeling. It also makes me feel a lot less judgmental of other people - both successful and unsuccessful. Surely, this is the most equanimous way of looking at human beings and life in general.

[@PhyrstNayme-gm7ej]

@robinmockli7250 I found freedom in both of the same aspects that you listed. It finally helped me understand how to "let things go". If I can't actually place so much blame on others, it is much easier to "forgive". If you like Sapolsky, you should search him out. His views on such things as the judicial system and other parts of society are very interesting.

[@sebastianwidmann9956]

It's a wonderful paradox. Discovering that we are not actually free to do anything at all is incredibly liberating psychologically.

[@AnnLillie]

As a Christian...hearing that we have no free will is a most bemusing concept. Maybe I have missed something along the way.

[@MarmaladeINFP]

I had depression and suicidality for decades. And it taught me a certain kind of acceptance that is similar to what Sapolsky explains. But it's a lesson that is continuously being deepened in my understanding.

[@karensu5147]

Yes....if you want to kick back and give up. Remember too much stress causes major problems. So it seems that having control and changing your life is a happier thought than having no control and giving yourself an excuse for your crappy life.

[@amandajrmoore3216]

Oh what a wonderful man. Humbling listening to him completely enthralling . Thanks all a privilege

[@thepepper191]

This was phenomenal. Such legendary insight.

[@davewood9888]

What a truly remarkable intellect.

[@PaulFilippetto]

Thank you to you both for the way you conducted this interview. Absolutely fascinating. Worth watching a second time.

[@christinevandenberg8]

Fascinating. I was a psychology major at NOVA Southeastern. I chose to help my father cross over which was a very healing time between ny father and I. Pricelice. I'm really glad somebody is bringing this very important stuff out. Mental health is soooo important.

[@keithwarburton9610]

Thank you for such an amazing episode of your excellent podcast series.

[@perspectivedetective]

KZbin's algorithm was on point with this recommendation. This was a fascinating discussion!

[@lkyuvsad]

Wild to see Sapolsky pop up on this podcast! Of course we don't have free will. What would that even mean? It's a logically inconsistent idea. In terms of what you do about it- I realised there couldn't be free will on a cycling holiday when I was 14, since when I've had 30-odd years to sit with it. Practically, you just can't hold that knowledge in your head all the time. You carry on doing whatever you'll do, you continue experiencing life as though you have free will until it comes to mind. It doesn't affect my day to day life very much.

[@jamesgravil9162]

"Of course we don't have free will. It's a logically inconsistent idea." Especially if you believe in Original Sin. It's hard to square the idea that we're all born fallen and sinful with the idea that we have the ability to choose between good and evil. And yet that's what most religious denominations teach.

[@huwzebediahthomas9193]

More Free Willy than free will.

[@lkyuvsad]

@@jamesgravil9162 yeah. Whether you’re religious or not, it doesn’t make any sense. Whether we start as souls or brains, it’s all the same.

[@tmarritt]

"I think there for I am" is about all I need to know, the rest of it is irrelevant imo.

[@georgesdelatour]

@@jamesgravil9162 Imagine if you get called up for jury service. Presumably you'd tell the other jurors that, regardless of the evidence, the accused had no choice to either commit or not commit the crime, so the question of his guilt or innocence is pointless; and we twelve jurors have no choice about whether to find him innocent or guilty, so our jury service is also pointless.

[@Lee-bt2cy]

What a fascinating insightful & intelligent man. That was a brilliant watch. I wonder in what ways his ability to look at us & unfathom that has helped him or aswell hindered him throughout his life?

[@markendicott6874]

This was an excellent episode - more of this sort of thing please!

[@bobdillaber1195]

I have watched many of his interviews and this is one of my very best favorites. It's always nice to learn more about the personal lives of those we respect.

[@Ronnie_Roy]

Robert is fantastic and captivating to listen to. Came across him in his contribution in the zeitgeist addendum documentary by Peter Joseph some fifteen years ago or so. Great episode.

[@bradsillasen1972]

My favorite interview of Sapolsky. Really enjoyed finally hearing some elaboration of his research and all in Kenya. I'm sure there's a lot more to tell about that. Ya gotta love is ardent lack of equivocation regarding free will.

[@si0054]

I found this fascinating as a mental health social worker, social stress it’s a very damaging aspect of life. The impacts of bullying for example, can change your physiology and developmental milestones and cause lifelong trauma

[@robinantonio8870]

And the bullies are never held accountable

[@MarkHoover-dv7mf]

@robinantonio8870 not necessarily. Bullies often shoot themselves in the foot when the cross the wrong person.

[@robinantonio8870]

@@MarkHoover-dv7mf I certainly hope so

[@brasstacks7181]

Just discovered Dr Sapolsky and I'm sure glad I did! What an absolute gem of a scientist and human being!!!! Thoroughly enjoyed listening to every second of this!!!! Coincidentally, my young adult daughter and I were having a discussion a few days ago about good stress vs bad stress. There certainly is a reason roller coasters don't last three hours. LOL ☺