What motivates us in life?

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In this episode of book club we're looking at The Elephant in the Brain by Kevin Simler and Robin Hanson which shines a light on the hidden motives of everyday life. We look at the theory behind the elephant, why we all secretly hide our true motives and how these motives play out in everyday life.
📚 The Elephant in the Brain - geni.us/elephante
Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:52 The Elephant in the Brain Thesis
02:10 Why We Hide Our True Motives
07:46 The Hidden Motives of Everyday Life
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📕Book Club Episode 1 - What Makes People Successful? - www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGbCR...
📚The Unfair Advantage by Ash Ali and Hasan Kubba - geni.us/e83Ll
📘Book Club Episode 2 - Tiny Changes Remarkable Results - www.youtube.com/watch?v=YT7tQ...
📚Atomic Habits by James Clear - geni.us/atomichabitsbook
📙Book Club Episode 3 - My Favourite Productivity Book - www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NBhJ...
📚Make Time by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky - geni.us/vzDlPbD
📗 Book Club Episode 4 - Why Motivation is a Myth - www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzAuv...
📚 The Motivation Myth by Jeff Haden - geni.us/ozAf
📘Book Club Episode 5 - Grit - • Is Success Luck or Har...
📚 Grit by Angela Duckworth - geni.us/gXqfuf7
📕Book Club Episode 6 - The Happiness Advantage - • The Happiness Advantag...
📚 The Happiness Advantage - geni.us/9MIFf
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[@aliabdaal]

To improve your thinking and learning skills, visit brilliant.org/ali and sign up for free. The first 200 people will get 20% off the annual Premium subscription :) Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:52 The Elephant in the Brain Thesis 02:10 Why We Hide Our True Motives 07:46 The Hidden Motives of Everyday Life

[@myaccount9427]

Hey I finished watching your video on retrospective timetable and space rep. Confused on if i use both at the same time or one after the other or only in certain situations. Thanks

[@ringosingson5386]

it says on the description online free course(how to study for ur exam) which is host in skillshar, but wen i try to access it..it says i have to be a premium member. is dre something wrong or m i getting something wrong.

[@coldnoodle995]

Ъ

[@coldnoodle995]

Зъ

[@LintarBiasPakarti]

the book club is my favorite on youtube, especially atomic habit i went from ultra lazy to fun productive almost everyday now. can i suggest to discuss the war of art next? i watched joe rogan and many more people getting absolutely crazy over it. thank you sir!

[@InnerCoreAri]

A rich man drives a Ferrari, you think he’s stunting. A rich man drives a Honda, you think he’s so humble. But if the rich man driving a Honda is doing it because he thinks “this will make me look humble,” it’s principally the same as buying the Ferrari. My favorite example of true motives being hidden ^

[@EmilyMatthews]

It’s crazy how many alternate meanings there are too things. Learning about them, however, has been helpful in filtering out fake people

[@Petronya]

Time Is beautifully designed and coordinated If someone is doing something to make them look humble, they're not actually humble and they're just being disingenuous. Humbleness needs to come from within, not be faked, otherwise it's just another way of showing off

[@AaronGarcia-tz5pv]

why do u have to do Honda like that:((😭😭😭😭

[@EmilyMatthews]

@@Petronya disingenuous is a great word to describe it. Humble is an internal feeling - the moment that becomes external is the moment true humility vanishes

[@oussamanhairech5178]

@@EmilyMatthews Those hidden motives are within everyone and they are there but somehow we hide it and convice ourselves otherwise, it seems as it is our nature based on social considerations.

[@tabbywarrior]

I love Ali's brutal honestly. I wish everyone was like that.

[@kl56tjy98]

No you don't

[@shahnaz18]

@thakkumikku da f 😂😂

[@bhimjoshi5025]

I love him and his contact..he is my inspiration ..so i started making videos.

[@abhic9386]

Thank to me im not like him, I'm Me. I love myself. And i really appreciate Ali too.😎✌️

[@sunbhattacharjee]

You should be

[@Joe-dt7wp]

13:08 - "I got through it pretty quickly" Signalling your intellect by the speed at which you read books...

[@davidliang913]

Being introspective from time to time and understanding what drives us to do what we do is something we should all do a little more!

[@saeedanasir]

Agreed. Reflecting is sadly underrated.

[@Aditya-zf7wq]

@@saeedanasir People dont have time to reflect,in their excuse,but ultimately our mistakes will make us a better individual if we accept that Ya,i have done it wrong; which will only take place when you introspect

[@johnnolan2356]

Yes, I completely agree, people need to reflect more on how and why they make the choices they do, but as someone trained in psychology I can say this book is terrible example of how to do it. It premise isn’t even scientifically accurate, so I wouldn’t use it as a guide. I’m a bit disappointed Ali used this in his book club actually.

[@zainyounis1442]

Our selfish reason for watching this video: Trying to be productive and get things done in quarantine. :)

[@FearlessDreams]

and to validate that it's ok to be an egoist from time to time :D

[@fritziepearlpineda2563]

Great, Ali ironed his shirt now. This man, despite having these hidden motives, gives us good and helpful content which you can't see from other youtubers. Plus, you can feel his genuity to help others. So proud 💓

[@QuestionEverythingButWHY]

“Those who have a 'why' to live, can bear with almost any 'how'.” --Friedrich Nietzsche

[@hienleminh6397]

I think this quote is from Viktor E. Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning. Friedrich Nietzsche's version is slightly different.

[@QuestionEverythingButWHY]

@@hienleminh6397 Is it possible Frankl was quoting Nietzsche in his book? My favorite quote of Frankl, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”

[@hienleminh6397]

regarding of the publishing year of Man's searching for meaning, that's a more plausible idea. That must be the case.

[@xuchiwax5497]

I love how honest he is, he’s authentic ! No one dares saying those things but we’re all the same, we all get something doing the actions we do

[@FearlessDreams]

I think he and a few other people on this platform are part of what I call the Value Economy. You provide enormous value and you make money at the same time. This should be the next biggest trend.

[@annabellawr]

I'm in awe with your ability to condense what you've read and highlight the key points so effectively. Communication skill and transparency is 10/10!

[@khaveenmungroo8226]

This is the first time I’ve seen the notification on time. Also just started premed and I’m hard binging your videos Ali. Thanks for all the help!

[@gopikadinesh354]

Was excited to watch you hit 1M this week! You deserve every bit of this and much more❤

[@angelirene5745]

Ali you really inspire me to work hard for myself. Doing what I love will help me to go with the flow. For some people it's seems like we are working to hard. But when you love what you do , you just enjoy it so much.

[@drcool763]

“I secretly love fame” - Ali not such a secret any more when 200k ppl watch this lol

[@Chan-me5wg]

"don't tell others it's between you and me" Me: guys come watch this video

[@minnowx7099]

It’s called irony.

[@drcool763]

Minnow x r/whoosh

[@Wingedmagician]

At least he’s honest about it

[@shahnaz18]

@@Chan-me5wg 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@RyanYeo]

Loving this book club series! This book on hidden motives is quite interesting, added to my to-read list!

[@dianakino1132]

I like how you reflect those concepts on your decisions, desires, and thinking.

[@soumilgupta4655]

Dude congrats on 1M, I think I might be a little late but I love ur vids, they just inspire me and make me provide myself with a productive day.

[@AmanManazir]

_ali before reading this book:_ "how much money I make in a week - inspiring people to pursue the same success!" _ali after reading_ : *wait*

[@pratayasarkar9435]

"Don't tell anyone, that's just between you and me" 121,529 people, "Okay, it's a secret"

[@joe66610]

Congrats on 1 Million subs Ali!! Keep up the awesome work of inspiring us!

[@shreya2732]

Congrats ali for 1M... I'm extremely flattered.... cuz you provide us great contents....thanks for everything 🙏

[@FarzanasLaw]

Ali's honesty is what I love :) keep uploading

[@ini2wavey942]

Finally 1 million!! Congrats 👏🏾👏🏾

[@eashwarr9858]

The quality in your videos and the amount of effort you put in making a video is absolutely phenomenal. Eagerly waiting for your videos 😀

[@JH-vw1tn]

Book Club and Deep Dives are my favorite parts of your channel. Added this book to my list!

[@Real-Imperfect]

I love your videos so much you’ve changed my life. You’ve changed the way I think you’ve changed the way I study 📖. You’ve brought more knowledge into my life and for that I want to thank you. I hope you get 2mill+ subscribers. All the best thanks for being an inspiration 🙏🏾

[@medpodcast99]

This was the best book club ever!! Make more! Thank you!

[@shreyaambade6688]

I've never been this early before omg hi! I swear I've literally been binge watching your channel for the past week! You're amazing and have inspired me so much with my own channel! Thank you ❤️

[@drcool763]

Shreya Ambade I been watching him for 3 years lol

[@vivekmaalpani4329]

i am also watching him since first lockdown. it help me lot. now i am bit more productive than my previous self.

[@kailashnathan3609]

Me too, but I haven't really applied anything he says properly in real life... Watching his videos just gives me a sense of achievement, but I haven't really improved much... do you remember even 50% of what he said in all the videos that you were binge watching?

[@BBaaaaa]

@@kailashnathan3609 generally I do, because I end up applying it to my life one way or another, but I guess to each their own

[@gloriauderzo8582]

I’m emotionally moved by your brilliance. Glorious content 🎩

[@zeynand4039]

You cover all the topics I'm interested in, thank you so much!

[@inbasicterms-popculturevid1704]

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” - Mark Twain.

[@PiaRxxxx]

I have a mental place called "graveyard of my unfinished projects". Seriously, starting is an easy thing for me. But finishing is a curse :/

[@ravenclawsunshine7491]

I love how organized your videos always are

[@MisterPol]

I always get motivated after watching your videos

[@CassieWinter]

"We deceive ourselves in order to deceive others." Such a GREAT point! Thanks!

[@SapnaKumari-fp2ut]

I really love a lot your book club videos and your choice of books. It introduce and expand my knowledge about different ideas, concept ,thoughts and fields . And me being a book lover really appreciate that.

[@waz1077]

I like the comedic skits thrown in between. it gives a lighter tone to the video as it contrasts with the nature of this video. Thanks Ali!

[@amiasyaska8447]

Finally reached 1M subscribers Congrats Ali

[@swanandjoshi333]

It takes guts to express your true motive on the camera, hats off!!!

[@neuroticrst]

Thoroughly enjoyed the video. It's one of those well made videos with the right amount of heart and focus, that makes one want to come back and watch again at a later point in time. You summarised the book quite well, it almost comes off as a review to the book and certainly piques my interest to go have a read. Thanks for the quality content, I know you had your own motives though 😂

[@PavanKSriram]

Ali being your avid follower, you always inspire by your honesty. Its amazing the open approach you take in your videos. You and Matt D´vella are two of my fav youtubers. It´s inspired me to start my own channel 14 days ago. I look forward to collaborate one day with you. Look forward for that day probably in 2021 :).

[@samanmalib.6949]

Congrats on the 1st Million Ali! :)

[@harshvardhangiri332]

Your production quality is so good !!

[@samarthmusicxo]

Congrats for 1 million subs Ali!!!!

[@skloise]

Commenting before finishing the video lol hi Ali! I'm on a semester break right now in uni and I've been binge watching your videos. ❤️

[@rohanpatil8919]

It's great that you are discussing books that are not common. I mean everyone talks about 'Mindset; or 'Grit'. I've never heard of this book before. Glad to have subscribed

[@ashwinijaishankar6743]

Your videos are totally relatable and yes, the first ones that have helped me to get along with studies! Thank you so much!!!! love from India .....

[@maazalt1785]

Congrats on 1 million subscribers :)

[@QuestionEverythingButWHY]

“The first principle is that you must not fool yourself and you are the easiest person to fool. -Richard P. Feynman

[@itrama]

Honestly my favorite youtuber! ☺Valuable content + sense of humor = 😍

[@mklives2]

I’m glad you’re drawing attention to important scientific books like The Elephant in the Brain. It’s groundbreaking.

[@bullyprogramming1440]

ali is quickly becoming my favorite youtuber

[@sokmaiazz6428]

Thank you for making this book club I really enjoy reading the books you recommend and listening to your review

[@virx7944]

Gotta say i love the books recommended so far, pretty useful in my life for a 25 year old guy just started out

[@ruchimehta5209]

Congratulations on 1million... lots of love ❤️

[@mushymush223]

Less than 25 seconds in, and I love this guy's honesty already.

[@curiosityunleashed]

Please make more of these summaries they are awesome and so helpful. Love your videos. Please make more videos for students in more simple language that will reach more people than you can imagine. The techniques which can be used without having any technology and only pen and notebook is enough. Thanks in advance.

[@joshfeick2307]

I guess this is why it feels so good when someone recognizes something you did without you mentioning it.

[@mohdshahnawaz3864]

Absolutely loved this video. Thank you so much for this valuable information Ali. Lots of love from an Australian 🇦🇺😀

[@ilaydelrey2025]

The one and only KZbinr who is honest about his hidden motivation! Even though you do this to become fame and get some moneym I still decide to be a follower - due to your honesty!

[@loboschderlobbare9045]

Congrats to the one million subscribers!!!

[@_sharanshetty_]

Congratulations Ali for hitting a million subscribers 🎉

[@godwin_njoroge]

This is so in tune with what I was reading today and was left with this same question. Is there a balance one can find between doing what makes them happy (selfish), what is beneficial to others (selfless), and what one defines as having lived a meaningful life?

[@patrickdallaire5972]

The title of this book also reminds me of Jonathan Haidt's Rider and Elephant analogy. Anw, it's easy to see other people fooling themselves. You've helped me remind myself that I fool myself quit often as well.

[@unclerandy398]

Legit the exact video I needed right now. Ty!

[@lavandolynsmith6269]

I am loving these book club series.

[@Leox204]

Congratulations on 1 Million subscribers 👏

[@miket7056]

road to 1m subs.....well deserved!!! great video as usual.

[@phnxwlfphnxwlf6544]

Didnt finish the video yet but you got a thumbs up for your honesty. Cheers. and now back to the video

[@tanaybhomia2784]

Keep up the Good work and this series so that we can get better book reconditions

[@lonzoball2068]

Oooooonnnnnnneeeeee miillliiiooonnnn 1000000!!!!!!!! Congrats dude this is a huge milestone in ur KZbin career. Glad to be hear man.

[@chiuchiutrain]

CONGRATS ON 1 MILLION!!🥰

[@princeghai193]

Congratulations for 1 million subscribers !! 🎉😎❤️

[@upervortex3253]

I really love this kind of videos, You share some real good ones and after watching the Review I start reading, im so grateful For people like You

[@aditpinheiro]

Joey said this way back in the 90s (S05E04). "Selfless good deeds don't exist". Loved the video BTW.

[@RAJSINGH-cm9rm]

Congratulations Ali 🥳 1 million subs 🥳

[@ann29light]

okay now I'm really interested to read this book. so interested that i'm gonna drop all the books i'm currently reading now so i can binge read this one. thank you so much for the video!!

[@christalwong70]

Honest and raw. Love it! In my reading list now.

[@Shayanwahedi]

Fire summary brother. Truly loved this video. Humble, and honest personality, fascinating breakdown and great brain food to ponder about. Hope to do a collab together in the (near) future. A doctor and soon to be dentist in one video hahaha!

[@abcdefg4740]

I really like the way you are honest, your video was perfect again. I enjoyed a lot. Thank you.

[@kelvinsparky3745]

I really loved the podcast version of this

[@dish5189]

You are my inspiration.I am a premedical Pakistani student trying hard to pass AKU admission test and get into it.I want to be productive like you.May Allah bless you with whatever you want

[@zakahossain7147]

The hidden motive to this video is to show off that Ali is authentic, v raw and straightforward in general.

[@rizud5122]

1M..Congratulations Ali..😀Whooohoooo

[@savvyjangra]

Congrats on 1 MILLION ali ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@svenp6592]

1 MILLION CONGRATS ALI!!!!!!!!!

[@gobindmayhershared5468]

Definitely going to read this book. Quite a good video, well done Ali! BtW Ali if you're reading this ... I love the book club series and could you please do a book club video on the 4 hour work week. Thanks 😀

[@pharmacyterms7684]

Congratulations ali abdaal 🎉for your 10 million KZbin family. May Allah grant you success in World and hereafter.

[@TechCluster]

Congrats on 1 million subs 🔥🔥

[@prantanilbhowmick1070]

Hey Ali consider making a podcast, would love to listen to you while I try and not fail my tests👍. Your voice bus super calming

[@erinvincent126]

hey man within hours you "will "hit 1 M advanced congrats to my fav youtuber

[@yasassrijayawardena4319]

Just came here to congratulate for 1M, Ali. Im a 15y old nothing to do with medication, but I still watch everything because once I started I couldn't stop watching. Kudos bro. God bless, stay safe and don't be a WaStEmAn.

[@yasassrijayawardena4319]

Thanks Ali, much love!

[@captivatingcurios]

So glad you mentioned the split brain patients, I immediately thought it would be a great example to use!

[@denzyrocks]

Thanks for your videos Ali....I like your book club videos.....keep doing it👍👍

[@jamielewis8284]

I must say your delivery is getting near flawless but as a podcast listener I would say that I don't think this is a novel insight, I think this is all fairly obvious stuff. Nonetheless, this is certainly my favourite type of video. LOVE all your self-improvement content. Keep the book reviews coming - there's another great book on this topic called Drive.

[@billymaguire1860]

Congrats on 1 Million Subs

[@rozminhall]

Love the honesty in this video !

[@faaizahfathima8873]

Congratulations on 1 million subscribers.😀

[@harishan893]

Ali you hit 1 millions subs!!! Congratulations!!!!

[@jaredzaphet2972]

You're essentially what everyone's parents want their kids to turn out like. What motivates me? Is the time I'm not working :D, Its been a nice 7-month quarantine but Uni starts in a few weeks :(

[@Kivaskib]

Instant Subscribe!! within the 2 minutes of the video. already know gonna love his channel.