AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Closer To Truth
Nathan Lents on The Sexual Evolution
Feb 5, 2025
Nathan Lents, an evolutionary biologist and author at John Jay College, explores how our understanding of sexuality and gender is deeply rooted in animal behavior over the past 500 million years. He discusses the fluidity of sexual identities like pansexuality and non-binary, emphasizing the importance of rejecting rigid definitions. Lents also unpacks the evolution of asexuality and the term 'queer,' advocating for inclusivity. He argues for recognizing the complexity of sexuality in both humans and animals, challenging traditional views and societal norms.
01:29:53
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Modern ideas of gender and sexuality are deeply rooted in evolutionary history, reflecting flexible relationships seen in animal ancestors.
- Recognizing the fluid nature of sexual attraction and gender expression challenges rigid societal norms and promotes broader acceptance of diverse identities.
Deep dives
Sexual Diversity Rooted in History
The discussion highlights that modern notions of sexuality and gender diversity are not novel but rather echo the flexible relationships observed in animal ancestors. Current societal upheaval regarding sexual and gender expression parallels the more expansive understandings seen in primates and foraging societies. These ancestral practices challenge traditional perspectives, suggesting that rigid constructs around gender and sexuality have been culturally imposed over time. The podcast emphasizes the need to recognize and accept a wider variety of sexual and gender expressions as reflecting our biological heritage.
Get the Snipd
podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any
moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share
& Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode