377. This is for the Anonymous Online Trolls | Dr. Gad Saad
Jul 27, 2023
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Dr. Gad Saad, a notable professor of marketing and author, joins the discussion on happiness and the power of ideas. They delve into the concept of 'idea pathogens' negatively influencing human behavior and explore the evolutionary basis of morality and religion. Saad shares insights from his Jewish heritage, discussing how these beliefs shape happiness. The conversation emphasizes authenticity in an era of political correctness and stresses the importance of courage in expressing personal convictions. Humor's role in academia also finds its way into this lively dialogue.
Speaking out and following one's conscience is a moral obligation, even in the face of opposition.
The concept of the divine has evolved from nature to a still small voice within tied to conscience.
Religion serves an evolutionary purpose by fostering cohesion, cooperation, and addressing existential concerns.
Silence in the face of moral obligations can have detrimental consequences, as seen in the story of Jonah.
Deep dives
The Importance of Speaking Out and Following One's Conscience
Gad Saad discusses the power of speaking out and following one's conscience, drawing parallels to the prophetic tradition. He emphasizes the moral obligation to stand up and say what needs to be said, even in the face of opposition and danger. This commitment to truth and the fidelity to one's conscience can be seen as a transcendent and guiding force in navigating moral dilemmas. Saad also highlights the evolutionary basis of morality and the functional value of religion in providing a framework for understanding the world and addressing existential concerns.
The Transformation in the Conceptualization of Deity
The podcast explores the transformation in the conceptualization of the highest animating principle through the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. It highlights the shift from perceiving the divine as a manifestation of nature to recognizing it as a still small voice within, tied to conscience and adherence to truth. This shift reflects the growing complexity and depth of religious ideas throughout history. The discussion delves into the significance of conscience as an autonomous entity and the pursuit of truth guided by intuition and revelation.
The Power of Morality in Social Cohesion
Gad Saad discusses the evolutionary origins of morality and the exaptation approach to understanding religion. He explains the adaptive value of religious belief in fostering cohesion, cooperation, and communal bonds among social groups. Saad argues that these aspects of religion can be explained within an evolutionary framework without necessitating a belief in supernatural elements. The conversation touches on the role of religion in addressing existential concerns and providing a moral framework for believers.
The Call to Speak Out and the Consequences of Silence
The discussion explores the biblical story of Jonah and its relevance to the importance of speaking out when called upon. It highlights the significance of conscience and the consequences of staying silent in the face of moral obligations. Drawing parallels to modern-day societal dynamics, the conversation emphasizes the detrimental effects of not speaking up, as individuals risk endangering themselves, their values, and the greater collective. The story of Jonah serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibility to act in accordance with one's conscience and the potential consequences of failing to do so.
The Importance of Learning and Academic Achievement
The speaker highlights the significance of education and academic achievements in their personal and familial context. The pressure to continue studies and achieve higher degrees is emphasized, as it represents a symbol of excellence and prestige in their family.
DNA Repair and Conceptual Axioms
An intriguing study that explores DNA repair mechanisms and the accuracy of repair based on gene hierarchy is discussed. The concept of fundamental genes and peripheral genes is introduced, drawing parallels to the importance of unchanging axiomatic truths and more variable propositions in conceptualizations. The speaker suggests that there are core universal truths that remain consistent, while peripheral beliefs can vary without consequences.
Religiosity, Happiness, and Universal Truths
The podcast delves into the relationship between religiosity, happiness, and universal truths. While acknowledging the correlation between religiosity and happiness, the speaker argues that happiness can be achieved without religious adherence. The importance of finding purpose, meaning, and playfulness in life is emphasized, along with the recognition of universal truths that transcend religious narratives. The idea of pursuing truth, assessing evidence, and the role of evolutionary psychology is also explored.
Dr. Jordan B. Peterson and Dr. Gad Saad discuss his newly published book, “The Saad Truth about Happiness: 8 Secrets for Leading the Good Life.” They also discuss the parasitic ability that ideas can have on the human mind, the predictors for left wing authoritarianism, the evolutionary argument for why humans are spiritual beings, the biblically rooted idea that divinity exists and manifests within rather than from without, the connections between religiosity and true happiness, and how the spirit of play is integral to living a meaningful life.
Gad Saad, Ph.D is a Canadian author, professor, podcaster, researcher, and public speaker. Saad was born in 1964 to a Jewish family (Considers himself culturally Jewish, though he is spiritually atheist) in Beirut, Lebanon, before his family fled to Canada in order to escape the Lebanese civil war in 1975. Saad earned his B.Sc. and M.B.A at McGill University, followed by an M.Sc. and a Ph.D from Cornell University. Since 1994, Saad has been a professor in marketing at the John Molson School of Business at Concordia University, Quebec. From 2012 to 2015, Saad was the editor of the scientific journal Evolutionary Psychology, and currently writes a blog for Psychology Today called Homo Consumericus. Saad’s research pertains to hormonal effects from testosterone and menstruation on consumer decisions as well as risk assessment. Saad also runs a popular podcast, The Saad Truth, which has garnered over 20 million views on youtube alone.
- Links -
For Dr. Gad Saad:
“The Saad Truth About Happiness: 8 Rules for Living the Good Life” (NEW Book): https://a.co/d/1IqTyM9
