The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast

chevron_right

154. Abandon Ideology | Gad Saad

Feb 14, 2021

Guest

\"Gad Saad\"

Gad Saad, a Canadian-Lebanese evolutionary psychologist and author of The Parasitic Mind, discusses the concept of ideas as parasites affecting societal norms and common sense. He critiques postmodernism and social constructivism for their assault on truth, emphasizing the need for critical thinking. The conversation navigates the challenges within gender ideologies, academia's ideological shifts, and the influence of irrational beliefs stemming from both left and right ideologies. Saad advocates for a balanced approach to understanding knowledge and truth.

02:06:01

forum

Ask episode

web_stories

AI Snips

view_agenda

Chapters

menu_book

Books

auto_awesome

Transcript

info_circle

Episode notes

insights

INSIGHT

Ideas as Parasites

Ideas, like parasites, can infect minds and influence behavior.
Gad Saad uses the metaphor of a spider wasp zombifying a spider to illustrate how political correctness can manipulate individuals.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Postmodernism and Reality

Gad Saad recounts a dinner with a postmodernist anthropology student.
The student denied that women bear children and that the sun rises in the east, illustrating postmodernism's detachment from reality.

insights

INSIGHT

Nomological Networks and Epistemic Humility

Nomological networks validate truth by seeking diverse evidence.
Use this method to determine when to speak with confidence and when to admit uncertainty.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

The Parasitic Nature of Ideas and Their Impact on Human Behavior

05:01 • 5min

chevron_right

Embracing Entrepreneurial Spirit in the New Year

09:46 • 2min

chevron_right

Infectious Ideas: The Parasitic Nature of Ideologies

12:02 • 30min

chevron_right

Navigating Gender Ideologies and Cultural Relativism

42:00 • 2min

chevron_right

The Ideological Shift in Academia

43:37 • 25min

chevron_right

The Parasitic Nature of Complex Ideas

01:08:53 • 2min

chevron_right

Navigating Complexity in Philosophy and Science

01:10:49 • 15min

chevron_right

Unraveling Evolutionary Psychology

01:26:13 • 16min

chevron_right

The Epistemology of Truth vs. Postmodernism

01:42:43 • 18min

chevron_right

Reflections on Recent Publications and Meaningful Conversations

02:00:48 • 2min

chevron_right

Exploring the Intersection of Biological Roles and Ideals

02:02:24 • 2min

chevron_right

#275

• Mentioned in 69 episodes

The Parasitic Mind

How Infectious Ideas Are Killing Common Sense

\"Gad Saad\"

In 'The Parasitic Mind,' Dr. Gad Saad exposes the harmful effects of 'idea pathogens'—irrational and logically flawed ideas that are spreading through universities and enforced by the tyranny of political correctness. These ideas, Saad argues, are endangering fundamental freedoms such as freedom of thought and speech. The book is a call to action, encouraging readers to use critical thinking and courage to defend reason and intellectual freedom. Saad discusses various topics including university 'safe spaces,' gender ideology, postmodernism, and the decline of intellectual diversity in academia, all while advocating for the importance of questioning and challenging prevailing dogma.

#2568

• Mentioned in 13 episodes

The consuming instinct

What Juicy Burgers, Ferraris, Pornography, and Gift Giving Reveal About Human Nature

Gad Saad

In 'The Consuming Instinct', Gad Saad delves into the evolutionary roots of human consumption, explaining how our biological heritage shapes our daily choices as consumers. The book highlights how innate evolutionary forces influence the foods we eat, the gifts we give, and the products we use to attract potential mates. Saad argues that most acts of consumption can be understood through four Darwinian drives: survival (preferring high-calorie foods), reproduction (using products as sexual signals), kin selection (exchanging gifts with family members), and reciprocal altruism (offering gifts to close friends). The book is informative and entertaining, making it a fascinating read for marketing professionals, advertisers, and anyone interested in the biological basis of human behavior.

#36

• Mentioned in 211 episodes

12 Rules for Life

An Antidote to Chaos

Jordan B Peterson

In this book, Jordan B. Peterson offers twelve profound and practical rules for living a meaningful life. He argues that happiness is a fleeting and unpredictable goal, and instead, people should seek meaning as a defense against the suffering inherent in life. The book is divided into chapters, each representing one of the twelve rules, such as 'Stand up straight with your shoulders back,' 'Treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping,' and 'Pursue what is meaningful (not what is expedient). ' Peterson draws on examples from his clinical practice, personal life, cutting-edge psychology, philosophy, and ancient myths to provide a guide for personal improvement and coping with adversity.

#16

• Mentioned in 318 episodes

How to Win Friends and Influence People

Dale Carnegie

First published in 1936, 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' by Dale Carnegie is a timeless guide to improving interpersonal skills. The book is divided into four main sections: Six Ways to Make People Like You, Twelve Ways to Win People to Your Way of Thinking, and Nine Ways to Change People Without Giving Offense or Arousing Resentment. Carnegie's principles emphasize the importance of genuine interest in others, active listening, and avoiding criticism and argument. The book offers practical advice on how to build strong relationships, communicate effectively, and influence others by aligning their self-interest with yours. It has been a cornerstone of personal development and business success for generations.

#25

• Mentioned in 256 episodes

Never Split the Difference

Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It

Tahl Raz

Chris Voss

VOSS/RAZ

This book, written by former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss and co-author Tahl Raz, provides a masterclass in influencing others through negotiation. It distills the Voss method, revealing skills such as establishing rapport, creating trust with tactical empathy, and transforming conflict into collaboration. The book is filled with real-life examples from Voss's career, illustrating how these techniques can be applied in both professional and personal life to achieve goals and defuse potential crises.

This episode was recorded on January 18, 2021.

Gad Saad and I discuss, among other topics, ideas as parasites, postmodernism, social constructivism, applying evolutionary thinking to understand humans’ consummatory nature, epistemic humility, nomological networks, the degrees of assault on truth, and more.

Gad Saad is a Canadian-Lebanese evolutionary psychologist, professor, and author. He is best known for his work applying evolutionary psychology to marketing and consumer behavior. His most popular book is The Parasitic Mind: How Infectious Ideas Are Killing Common Sense. He is currently a professor at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Helix Sleep - for up to $200 off all mattresses and 2 free pillows, visit: Helixsleep.com/JORDAN

THINKR - to start your free trial, visit: thinkr.org

The Great Courses (Plus) - for a free month of unlimited access, visit: thegreatcoursesplus.com/peterson

For advertising inquiries, please email justin@advertisecast.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Home Top podcasts Popular guests Top books