Robert Sapolsky: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst

What people said

azeirah · 2023-03 · Strong recommendation

A good counterexample is Robert Sapolsky. He uses a lot of storytelling and anecdotes in his scientific teachings and lectures. His writing is amazing, his lectures even more so. Here's an example lecture: [VIDEO]

Read the original HN comment ↗

gejose · 2023-09 · Recommendation

The parent comment mentions Robert Sapolsky and I can't resist linking a talk where he explores various physical and environmental factors that influence human actions - [VIDEO] If anyone finds the video above interesting, also check out his Behavioural Biology lecture series on YouTube - [LINK] His upcoming book can be found here - [LINK]

Read the original HN comment ↗

0134340 · 2020-08 · Recommendation

I think if you take the view of modern genetics, admittedly I'm a layman on this topic, this is an often useless, antiquated (nature vs nurture) reductive trope. Despite what genetics may code for, our actions are a sum of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Genetics being one, epigenetics potentially another as well as upbringing, culture, diet and multitudes of other factors. Someone with psychopathy may produce positive societal results even to the benefit of himself sometimes if conditions favor such behavior although could very well go wrong given another upbringing. I think the implications of labeling these behaviors as "dark" can be a bit too reductionist and can turn into a literal witchhunt if we're not careful although they do provide some sort of utility in patterning human behavior. Edit: Relevant talk by Richard Sapolsky, if interested, which I happily post when I can. [VIDEO]

Read the original HN comment ↗