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Modern Wisdom
#668 - David Pinsof - How To Leverage The Psychology Of Power & Status
Aug 17, 2023
01:16:27
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David Pinsof, a professor of psychology at UCLA and co-creator of Cards Against Humanity, discusses the psychology of power and status. Topics include the difference between bullshitting and lying, the folly of human desires, how the modern world affects our status games, and the flawed pursuit of happiness. Pinsof also explores the evolutionary reasons for our preference for big landscapes, the social brain, and the pursuit of power. Additionally, he examines the value of boring experiences and the loneliness of seeking novelty.
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Quick takeaways
- Understanding our true motivations and desires can be challenging due to the limits of introspection and the stories we create about our desires.
- Status games are inherent in human nature, driving us to compare ourselves to others and strive for higher status, but understanding the dynamics of status games can lead to better outcomes and foster empathy.
Deep dives
The Illusion of Understanding Ourselves
Our motivations and desires are often a mystery to us, as our brain's design limits our introspection. We create flattering stories about our desires, but they are often just bullshit. Additionally, we cannot truly know the motivations of others. This lack of self-understanding challenges our ability to understand ourselves. Bullshitting and lying are not the same - bullshitting is when the truth is irrelevant and doesn't concern us, while lying is intentionally misrepresenting the truth. Accepting our lack of self-understanding can be disempowering, but it can also lead to a clearer understanding of ourselves and more compassionate interactions with others.
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