The One You Feed Understanding the Science of the Mind with Paul Bloom
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Jun 18, 2024 
Paul Bloom, a distinguished professor of psychology at Yale, dives into the fascinating science of the mind. He discusses the balance between pleasure and core values, highlighting how this duality shapes our motivations and choices. Bloom explores the nature versus nurture debate, revealing the significant roles genetics play in behavior formation. He also examines morality in pop culture, using relatable examples, and offers insights into managing emotions and mental health. Packed with practical strategies, this conversation inspires reflection on what it means to lead a fulfilling life.
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Feeding the Good Wolf
- Being a good person involves setting up your life to nurture your positive traits.
- Feed your "good wolf" by creating an environment conducive to positive actions, rather than solely relying on willpower.
Motivational Pluralism
- Motivational pluralism recognizes that humans have diverse motivations, not just pleasure or meaning.
- We want to be good, have fun, and live meaningfully, requiring trade-offs among competing desires.
Thorndike's Motivation Study
- Edward Thorndike's 1937 study explored people's motivations using a questionnaire.
- People would pay more to avoid strangling a cat than to have a tooth pulled, highlighting moral motivations.
