The Secrets of Statecraft Lord Matt Ridley Gives Us Reasons To Be Cheerful | Secrets of Statecraft | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution
13 snips
Sep 25, 2024 
In this engaging discussion, science writer Matt Ridley, known for his book The Rational Optimist, explores the consistency of human nature and the effects of both genetics and experiences on behavior. He dives into the transformative power of innovation and trade in boosting global living standards, while also addressing concerns over protectionism. The conversation touches on the controversial origins of COVID-19 and the interplay between economic progress and inequality, all infused with insights on governance and cultural debates.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Stable Human Nature, Flexible Virtue
- Human nature is largely stable across history but our view of virtue shifts with society.
- Matt Ridley says instincts exist to learn and are calibrated by the 'impartial spectator.'
Genes And Experience Are Entangled
- Nature and nurture work together rather than oppose each other in shaping behavior.
- Ridley emphasizes genes respond to experience and personality is heritable yet environment-dependent.
Genomics: Reading Our Recipe
- Genomics is transformative because humans can read their own genetic recipe.
- Ridley is focused on human accelerated regions though expects no single 'language gene.'