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.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Everyday Mindfulness
Practice mindfulness outside of formal meditation by examining your feelings.
Explore the sensations in your body when experiencing sadness to reduce suffering.
insights INSIGHT
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.
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Robert Wright's "Non-Zero" explores the concept of non-zero-sum games in history and evolution. It argues that cooperation and increasing complexity have been driving forces throughout history, leading to progress and societal advancement. The book examines various aspects of human history and evolution, highlighting the role of cooperation and competition in shaping our world. Wright uses game theory and evolutionary principles to explain how cooperation can lead to mutual benefit and progress. The book challenges traditional views of conflict and competition, suggesting that cooperation is often a more effective strategy for achieving long-term success. It offers a unique perspective on the trajectory of human civilization and the potential for future progress.
The Moral Animal
Why We Are the Way We Are
Robert Wright
In 'The Moral Animal', Robert Wright delves into the world of evolutionary psychology to explain human behavior, emotions, and moral conduct. The book uses Charles Darwin's life and personal conduct in Victorian England as a case study to illustrate how evolutionary forces shape human behavior. Wright discusses topics such as jealousy, altruism, and social class, arguing that many of our actions are driven by subconscious genetic strategies aimed at survival and the propagation of our genes. The book also explores the paradox of how moral and responsible actions can emerge from a strictly Darwinian interpretation of human behavior, suggesting that understanding our evolutionary past can help us override our primitive programming and develop a more common moral outlook[1][2][4].
Why Buddhism is True
The Science and Philosophy of Meditation and Enlightenment
Robert Wright
In this book, Robert Wright argues that Buddhism offers a secular, Westernized approach to mindfulness meditation that can help individuals and society by reducing suffering and increasing empathy. He draws on evolutionary biology, psychology, and neuroscience to support Buddhist teachings, such as the concept of 'no-self' and the nature of human suffering. The book is a personal journey that began with Wright's work on evolutionary psychology and deepened through his practice of meditation and conversations with skilled meditators. It aims to show how Buddhist principles can be applied in a secular age to improve individual and societal well-being.
Robert Wright is President of the Nonzero Foundation, an author and Visiting Professor of Science and Religion at Union Theological Seminary in New York.
Bob's book The Moral Animal has changed my thinking more than pretty much any other over the last few years, so naturally I wanted to bring him on to discuss whether aliens are real and how we can avoid existential risks.
For real though, expect to learn the role that evolutionary psychology plays in mindfulness practice, why Bob thinks that aliens are probably enlightened, how global coordination can be improved by everyone meditating, whether we're doomed for civilisational collapse and much more...
Modern Wisdom 
