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Science Quickly

The Apocalypse Is Going to Be a Lot Friendlier Than You Think

May 22, 2024
Guest Athena Aktipis, psychologist, and cooperation theorist, shares tips from her book 'A Field Guide to the Apocalypse.' They discuss the importance of humor and social connections in surviving catastrophes, fostering mutual aid networks, and debunking the myth of selfishness in apocalyptic scenarios. The episode highlights the power of cooperation, community resilience, and the value of preparation for unexpected disasters.
18:01

Episode guests

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Quick takeaways

  • Survive the apocalypse by embracing playfulness and cooperation instead of hiding away.
  • Human nature inclines towards generosity and mutual aid in times of crises, fostering community support networks.

Deep dives

Surviving the Apocalypse Through Playfulness

Athena Octopus, an associate professor in the Department of Psychology at Arizona State University, suggests that those who are likely to survive an apocalypse are those who engage in playfulness rather than hiding away. She emphasizes the importance of leveraging positive aspects of human nature like cooperation and creativity to effectively deal with the challenges of the apocalypse. By fostering a mindset of imagination and humor, individuals can better navigate stressful situations and collaborate with others for mutual support.

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