Behavioural Psychologist: We're Not Having Enough Sex! Fat Makes You Attractive & The Poorer You Are The Friendlier You Are!

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Feb 17, 2025

Dr. Bill von Hippel, a social psychologist and professor at the University of Queensland, dives into the quirks of human behavior shaped by evolution. He discusses why high-achieving women face challenges in love and suggests that humor is a key trait of attraction. The conversation explores how wealth impacts social skills and why poorer individuals tend to be friendlier. Bill also raises alarms about declining birth rates and questions if we're at risk of extinction due to diminished sexual activity, offering insights into modern dating dynamics influenced by technology.

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INSIGHT

The Autonomy-Connection Imbalance

Modern society struggles with balancing autonomy and connection, prioritizing individual desires over social bonds.
This imbalance, especially prevalent in wealthy, educated urbanites, contributes to decreased happiness.

INSIGHT

The Paradox of City Living

Despite increased opportunities, city dwellers are less happy than their rural counterparts.
This highlights the social isolation prevalent in cities, where people prioritize personal pursuits over community.

ANECDOTE

The Wealthy Friend and the Hadza

William von Hippel recounts visiting a wealthy friend who, despite material abundance, was not happier.
This, combined with observations of the Hadza tribe's contentment, led him to realize the widespread issue of failing to appreciate modern life.

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The New Evolutionary Science of Who We Are, Where We Come From, and What Makes Us Happy

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