Modern Wisdom #338 - Robert Wright - Psychology, Aliens & Averting The Apocalypse
15 snips
Jun 24, 2021 
Robert Wright, President of the Nonzero Foundation and author, dives into fascinating themes like the intersection of evolutionary psychology and mindfulness. He argues that meditative practices could enhance global coordination to avert existential threats. The exploration of alien civilizations reveals thoughts on their potential emotional capacities and moral progress. Wright also reflects on the psychological impacts of social media, advocating for deeper self-awareness and the benefits of mindfulness in addressing global crises.
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Mindfulness and Evolution
- Evolutionary psychology explains human nature, which mindfulness addresses.
- Mindfulness helps manage anxieties stemming from our evolved responses.
Everyday Mindfulness
- Practice mindfulness outside of formal meditation by examining your feelings.
- Explore the sensations in your body when experiencing sadness to reduce suffering.
Emotionality as a Barrier
- Human emotionality might limit civilizational progress, acting as a barrier to coordination.
- Mindfulness could be crucial for overcoming this, but widespread adoption is challenging.
