Modern Wisdom #690 - Michael Easter - Why Can’t Humans Do Anything In Moderation?
185 snips
Oct 7, 2023 
Michael Easter, a health expert and author, dives deep into why moderation feels so elusive for many of us. He discusses the 'scarcity loop' that drives our impulse control issues, linking our modern challenges back to our evolutionary instincts. The conversation reveals how technology and social media can exacerbate addictive behaviors, while exploring our unhealthy dependencies on certainty. With insights into consumerism and intentionality, Easter encourages listeners to navigate the modern world with mindfulness and awareness.
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Moderation Is Hard
- Moderation is difficult for humans because our ancestors lived in scarcity.
- We're driven to overconsume resources like food and information.
The Scarcity Loop
- The "scarcity loop" drives excessive behavior: opportunity, unpredictable rewards, quick repeatability.
- This loop is present in technologies like social media, dating apps, and slot machines.
Pigeons and Gambling
- Psychologist Thomas Zental's research shows pigeons prefer unpredictable rewards, even if they receive less food overall.
- This behavior likely relates to the unpredictable nature of finding food in the past.
