Robert Sapolsky | Father-Offspring Interviews #10: Parenting, Ukraine, state of humans | Robert Sapolsky Father-Offspring Interviews
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Nov 28, 2024 Explore the complexities of parenting in a world without free will, where praise is reshaped to focus on effort and gratitude. Dive into deep discussions about the impact of war and trauma, especially in relation to Ukraine, as they examine how early-life experiences affect generations. The conversation also touches on desensitization to violence and the existential questions surrounding humanity's actions. This thought-provoking dialogue challenges perceptions and ignites curiosity about the human condition.
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Humans Are Complex Biological Machines
- Humans are extraordinarily complex biological machines rather than mystical agents with free will.
- Treating harmful behavior as machine-like is less dehumanizing than moralizing it as sin, Robert Sapolsky argues.
Raise Responsible Kids Without Retribution
- Teach children responsibility even if free will is an illusion; practical accountability still matters.
- Eliminate retribution-based systems while keeping mechanical investigations of what happened and who did what.
Teach Kids To Ask 'How Did They Become This?'
- Train children to reflexively ask how someone's life shaped their behavior rather than instantly judging them.
- Praise effort and gratitude phrased as happenstance to reduce meritocratic entitlement and foster humility.
