How to Be a Better Human cover image

How to Be a Better Human

How do I know what my future self wants? (w/ Shankar Vedantam)

Sep 25, 2023
Shankar Vedantam, science writer and creator/host of the podcast 'Hidden Brain', shares his fascination with the human experience and the concept of the Hidden Brain. He explores the unknowability of our future selves and discusses the importance of actively reflecting on personal growth and making choices that align with our values.
36:55

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Our future selves are often unpredictable, and we underestimate the extent to which we change over time.
  • Our hidden brain influences our thoughts, decisions, and perceptions, impacting our behavior and relationships.

Deep dives

The Unknowability of Our Future Selves

Shankar Vedantam discusses the concept of not knowing who our future selves will be and how we often underestimate the extent to which we change over time. He explores the idea using a thought experiment called the Ship of Theseus, where the replacement of individual pieces questions whether the ship remains the same. Vedantam emphasizes the psychological changes in our lives, highlighting that each new experience and layer shapes us into slightly different versions of ourselves. He explores the consequences of this constant change and its impact on various aspects of our lives. Vedantam encourages individuals to actively curate and architect their future selves, embracing the fluidity and evolution of identity.

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