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Modern Wisdom
#690 - Michael Easter - Why Can’t Humans Do Anything In Moderation?
Oct 7, 2023
01:15:04
Snipd AI
Michael Easter, a professor, journalist, and author, explores the difficulties of achieving moderation and the impact of the scarcity loop on our behaviors. Topics include flow state and compulsive behaviors, dependence on certainty, the Zygonic effect and status, balancing hidden and observable metrics for fulfillment, and the impact of ultra-processed foods on overeating and disease risk.
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Quick takeaways
- The scarcity loop, driven by our ancestors' experiences of scarcity, plays a significant role in our inability to achieve moderation in various aspects of life.
- The allure of the scarcity loop lies in its ability to provide a temporary escape from the complexities of everyday life through repeatable, unpredictably rewarding experiences.
Deep dives
Scarcity loop: How excess abundance leads to overindulgence
The podcast episode discusses how our ancestors' experiences of scarcity have shaped our behavior in a world of abundance. The scarcity loop, a three-part behavior loop consisting of opportunity, unpredictable rewards, and quick repeatability, is explored as a driving force behind our inability to achieve moderation. Examples such as our relationship with food, ownership of material possessions, and exposure to information showcase how we still possess a strong drive to seek and consume more, despite having an abundance of resources. The podcast also delves into how the scarcity loop is utilized in various technologies and industries, such as social media, personal finance apps, and even gambling, highlighting its impact on our behaviors and decision-making.
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