In this engaging conversation, Dr. Jamil Zaki, a Stanford professor and expert in human connection, shares insights on bridging divides in a polarized world. He reveals how our perceptions often exaggerate disagreements, encouraging listeners to approach conversations with empathy and understanding. The duo discusses the importance of personal storytelling and open dialogue in overcoming ideological rifts. Zaki emphasizes that, despite differences, many core values unite us, offering hope for constructive communication and connection.
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insights INSIGHT
Emotional Polarization
Political polarization is increasing, fueled by media negativity and portraying opponents as immoral.
This emotional polarization leads to disliking rivals more than those who share political views.
insights INSIGHT
News and Negativity
The news media profits from polarization, creating a cycle of conflict.
This negativity leads to "mean world syndrome", where news consumption correlates with negative views of humanity.
insights INSIGHT
High Conflict Dynamics
High conflict arises when rigid battle lines are drawn, creating an "us vs. them" mentality.
This leads to stereotyping, zero-sum competition, and schadenfreude, hindering productive discourse.
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In this book, Jamil Zaki presents an antidote to the cynicism corroding our social health. Through rigorous scientific research and fascinating narratives, Zaki advocates for 'hopeful skepticism'—thinking critically about people and our problems while honoring and encouraging our strengths. The book challenges the belief that humanity is inherently selfish and provides practical tips and moving stories to help build a more trusting and cooperative society, ultimately leading to a more optimistic future.
High Conflict
Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out
Amanda Ripley
In High Conflict, Amanda Ripley delves into the phenomenon of 'high conflict,' which is distinct from the useful friction of healthy conflict. High conflict involves good-versus-evil feuds that lead to an 'us versus them' mentality, altering brain behavior and increasing feelings of superiority while worsening the conflict. The book follows various individuals in different contexts, including a conflict expert in California, a Chicago gang leader, and communities in Colombia, to illustrate how people get trapped in and eventually escape high conflict. Ripley highlights common forces such as conflict entrepreneurs, humiliation, and false binaries that drive high conflict and provides insights on how to transform these conflicts into productive ones by rehumanizing opponents and reviving curiosity and wonder.
How to Change
The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be
Katy Milkman
In this ground-breaking book, Katy Milkman reveals a proven path to help readers move from where they are to where they want to be. Drawing on her original research and the work of her world-renowned scientific collaborators, Milkman shares strategic methods for identifying and overcoming common barriers to change, such as impulsivity, procrastination, and forgetfulness. The book offers innovative approaches like 'temptation bundling,' using timely reminders, and creating 'set-it-and-forget-it systems' to make change more achievable. It emphasizes the importance of tailoring solutions to specific roadblocks and using science to stack the deck in favor of successful change.
Do You Still Talk to Grandma?
Brit Barron
It feels like our world is deeply polarized. We seem to fundamentally disagree with so many people - and with those disputes comes anger and hatred. Can anything bridge these yawning divides?
It turns out that we aren’t as divided as all that. Our minds often fool us into thinking we disagree with people more than is actually true. Dr Laurie Santos and Dr Jamil Zaki look at ways we can tame this misconception and get on with people who think a little differently to us.
Jamil's book Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness is out now.
The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos 
