Robin Hanson on Motives and Human Behavior

Robin Hanson on Motives and Human Behavior

The One You Feed

Robin Hanson and Eric Zimmer discuss the hidden motives behind our actions and how they shape human behavior.

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43:588 Oct 2019

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Robin Hanson: Unveiling the Hidden Motives Behind Our Actions

Our brains often keep us, our conscious minds, in the dark... You know every. And, like you said, we tend to think that there is a little me that sits in the center of that and controls all of that.

Ever wondered why you do the things you do? In this episode of 'The One You Feed', Eric Zimmer sits down with Robin Hanson, an Associate Professor of Economics at George Mason University and a Research Associate at the Future of Humanity Institute at Oxford. Hanson's book, 'The Elephant In The Brain: Hidden Motives In Everyday Life', serves as the backbone of their chat, where they dive into the often unseen motives that drive our behaviors.

Hanson and Zimmer explore how we frequently conceal our true intentions not just from others, but from ourselves. They discuss the concept of the 'left brain interpreter', which tries to make sense of our actions, often creating stories that aren't entirely accurate. This episode offers a fresh perspective on why we act the way we do and challenges listeners to reflect on their own hidden motives.

The conversation also touches on how these concealed motives shape social norms and influence our daily interactions. It's a deep dive into the complexities of human behavior, offering listeners a chance to gain a better understanding of themselves and others. If you're curious about what really drives you and how to uncover those hidden motives, this episode is a must-listen.

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