The Reader's Journey

15. Robin Hanson: Understanding The Hidden (& Darker) Motives of Human Behavior

• Alex & Books

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My guest today is Robin Hanson, the co-author of The Elephant in the Brain: Hidden Motives in Everyday Life. Robin is an associate professor of economics at George Mason University and a research associate at the Future of Humanity Institute of Oxford University.

In his book, Robin explores the hidden (and oftentimes sometimes darker) motives in everyday life. In our conversation, Robin talks about the hidden meaning of body language, how humans deceive themselves and others, the dark motivation behind charity donations, how sex, status, and politics all play a role in our motives, and much more. 

If you’re into evolutionary psychology or ever wondered why humans act the way they do, you’ll find this conversation fascinating.


TIMESTAMPS:

  • [00:45] - What is the elephant in the brain?
  • [03:45] - Hidden motives in chimps
  • [05:54] - The 3 main games people play: sex, status, and politics
  • [07:58] - Social norms & hiding our darker intentions
  • [13:20] - Understanding the secret message of body language 
  • [18:12] - The hidden motives behind buying luxury items 
  • [23:32] - The darker motives of why people give to charities
  • [27:47] - Hidden motives of speaking  
  • [31:29] - Why people laugh & how it serves as a signal to others
  • [36:17] - How this book can help you develop a new mental model of the world
  • [41:06] - The hidden motive behind the educational system
  • [44:52] - Two books that had a big impact on Robin


Learn more about the author:


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