No Small Endeavor with Lee C. Camp
194: Shankar Vedantam: Hidden Brain
Feb 3, 2025
Shankar Vedantam, the insightful host of the 'Hidden Brain' podcast, examines the unconscious forces shaping our decisions and behaviors. He delves into how our minds work behind the scenes, often influencing our choices more than we realize. Discussing the journey from engineering to empathy, he highlights the ties between psychological research and ancient wisdom. Vedantam emphasizes the importance of self-forgiveness and curiosity, revealing how these elements can transform our understanding of ourselves and foster a deeper connection to our shared humanity.
48:38
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Quick takeaways
- Our unconscious mind heavily influences our decisions, revealing that rational thinking is often just a small part of our behavior.
- Declining social ties can severely impact emotional well-being, highlighting the importance of nurturing relationships for personal happiness.
Deep dives
The Role of the Unconscious Mind in Decision-Making
Research indicates that willpower and conscious intention are only a small part of what drives human behavior. Shankar Vedantam highlights how the unconscious mind significantly influences our decision-making processes, often without our awareness. This notion is supported by studies suggesting that many decisions are shaped by hidden biases and underlying motivations that we may not fully comprehend. Consequently, understanding these dynamics can lead to better strategies for achieving personal goals, such as maintaining New Year's resolutions.
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