This book is a comprehensive analysis of modern society, delving into history, evolutionary psychology, political theory, neuroscience, and modern-day political movements. It introduces a vertical axis that explores how we think, as individuals and as groups, rather than the traditional left-center-right horizontal political axis. The book is packed with original concepts, sticky metaphors, and 300 drawings, offering readers a delightful and fascinating journey that will change their perspective on the world.
In 'The Anxious Generation', Jonathan Haidt examines the sudden decline in the mental health of adolescents starting in the early 2010s. He attributes this decline to the shift from a 'play-based childhood' to a 'phone-based childhood', highlighting mechanisms such as sleep deprivation, attention fragmentation, addiction, loneliness, social contagion, and perfectionism that interfere with children’s social and neurological development. Haidt proposes four simple rules to address this issue: no smartphones before high school, no social media before age 16, phone-free schools, and more opportunities for independence, free play, and responsibility. The book offers a clear call to action for parents, teachers, schools, tech companies, and governments to restore a more humane childhood and end the epidemic of mental illness among youth.
Today, I'm joined by my old friend Tim Urban, the mastermind behind the wildly popular blog Wait But Why. Known for his ability to break down complex topics with humor and stick-figure drawings, Tim has captured the attention of millions worldwide. From his early days as a blogger to the release of his first book, "What's Our Problem?: A Self-Help Book for Societies," Tim has consistently delivered thought-provoking content that challenges our understanding of the world around us.
In this episode, we dive into pressing issues like unfettered tribalism, the concept of "idea prisons," and the potential impact of AI on society. Tim also shares personal insights as a new parent and teases his upcoming book. It'll challenge your perspectives and leave you craving more of Tim's signature blend of depth, wit, and accessibility. Don't miss this captivating conversation that tackles the complexities of our modern world head-on.
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Tim’s blog: Wait, But Why?: https://waitbutwhy.com/
Tim’s book: What’s Our Problem: https://www.amazon.com/Whats-Our-Problem-Self-Help-Societies-ebook/dp/B0BTJCTR58
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Chapters
01:55 The virtue of changing your mind
05:31 What has Tim changed his mind about
11:43 Are we on the other side of insanity yet?
18:05 How new media platforms shape culture
29:30 AI and tribalism
40:11 Internal and external wars
44:04 Tim on being a new parent
47:34 How Tim's views changed after having a kid
50:29 Tim's next book
Theme music: “Icarus Lives” by Periphery, used with permission from Periphery.
SOLVED with Mark Manson 
