This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #595 - Dr. David Linden
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Jul 8, 2025 
Dr. David Linden, a neuroscience professor at Johns Hopkins and author of 'Unique,' joins Theo to explore what makes us human. They discuss the motivations behind our behavior and how his terminal cancer diagnosis reshaped his views on mortality. Linden emphasizes the significance of social connections and the complexities of attraction, highlighting genetic and environmental influences. The conversation also touches on the evolving nature of humanity and the impact of science on personal identity and relationships.
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Human Mating Uniqueness
- Humans have a unique mating system with long-term pair bonding and high paternity accuracy.
- This system evolved because human children require extended care and cannot survive independently until around age five.
Community Bonds and Sharing
- Societies with high genetic homogeneity, like Finland, foster greater social sharing and happiness.
- People feel safer helping those who seem genetically or culturally similar to themselves.
Brain States of Love
- New love triggers reward circuits and dampens rational brain areas and fear centers.
- Long-term love usually reduces passion but increases mature respect and rational perception of the partner.
