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The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast
523. Why We Dream, Learn, and Adapt Faster Than Any Other Species | Dr. David Eagleman
Feb 20, 2025
In this enlightening conversation, Dr. David Eagleman, a leading neuroscientist and bestselling author, shares his insights on brain plasticity and its critical role in learning and adaptation. He explains how individual perceptions shape our reality and the fascinating dynamics of decision-making influenced by internal drives. Eagleman challenges the concept of free will and discusses Ulysses contracts as tools for maintaining self-control. With compelling examples, he highlights how expertise transforms learning processes, impacting our understanding of time and choice.
01:30:44
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Quick takeaways
- Brain plasticity enables humans to adapt to changing environments over generations at the cost of prolonged socialization periods.
- Perception is an active process shaped by our intentions and goals, making our understanding of truth inherently subjective.
Deep dives
The Nature of Consciousness
Consciousness is likened to a small broom closet within the vast mansion of the brain, indicating its limited access to the multitude of processes happening unconsciously. This metaphor reflects the idea that while there may be some degree of free will, it plays only a minor role in determining our actions and perceptions. The speaker discusses how different drives within individuals crave to philosophize, suggesting that our motivations heavily influence our conscious thought. This perspective challenges traditional notions of free will, hinting that our decisions may stem more from unconscious influences than from a freely willed rationale.
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