In this book, Steven Pinker delves into the workings of the human mind, addressing questions such as why we are rational yet often irrational, how we perceive the world, and the origins of emotions, social interactions, and higher cognitive functions. Pinker synthesizes insights from cognitive science, evolutionary biology, and other fields to explain how the mind evolved to solve the problems faced by our ancestors. He discusses topics like vision, emotion, social behavior, and the mysteries of consciousness, arguing for a computational theory of mind and an adaptationist approach to evolution[2][3][5].
In 'Manhood in the Making', David D. Gilmore conducts a comprehensive cross-cultural analysis of manhood as an achieved status. The book explores how societies worldwide define and attain masculinity, often through rites of passage and cultural expectations. Gilmore argues that manhood is not a natural condition but a state that boys must strive to achieve against societal challenges.
This book is a compilation of Tucker Max's blog posts and stories, detailing his experiences during and after his time at Duke Law School. It includes accounts of excessive drinking, run-ins with police, being kicked out of bars, and numerous sexual encounters. The book is known for its raw and unapologetic humor, which has both entertained and offended readers. Max's stories reflect his self-proclaimed status as an 'asshole' and his disregard for conventional social behavior.
In 'The Game', Neil Strauss chronicles his transformation from an 'average frustrated chump' (AFC) to a successful pickup artist. The book recounts his experiences living among the seduction community, learning from gurus like Mystery, and adopting the pseudonym 'Style'. Strauss shares numerous seduction techniques, his encounters with celebrities, and the psychological and social dynamics involved in the pickup artist culture. The book also explores the author's eventual realization that these techniques, while effective in picking up women, were not conducive to forming meaningful relationships.
Best-selling author, Air Force veteran, and psychologist Rob K. Henderson joins Erik Torenberg to explore the complex dynamics and evolutionary psychology in modern dating.
The conversation examines how evolutionary psychology explains attraction patterns, particularly women's occasional interest in men with dark triad personality traits. Henderson unpacks the phenomenon through the lens of the Luigi Mangione case, discussing how violence and aggression can paradoxically enhance male appeal due to evolutionary adaptations.
They explore dark triad attraction, pickup artist culture, partner selection research, and practical advice for men navigating relationships in the age of dating apps and challenging social dynamics.
Modern Relationships is a podcast from Turpentine. Learn more: www.turpentine.co
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SPONSOR: Relationship Hero
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LINKS:
Rob’s Newsletter: https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Rob-Henderson/177690581
Rob’s Best-selling book Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class:
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Troubled/Rob-Henderson/9781982168544
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FOLLOW ON X:
Rob - @robkhenderson
Erik - @eriktorenberg
Turpentine - @turpentinemedia
Chapters
- 00:00:00 Intro and Preview
- 00:01:41 Evolutionary psychology in relationships
- 00:04:17 Dark triad attraction case study: Luigi Mangione
- 00:10:56 Why women respond to violent men
- 00:14:04 Sponsor: Relationship Hero
- 00:15:54 Pickup artist culture evolution
- 00:20:40 Reconciling evolutionary psychology with being a good person
- 00:24:14 Partner selection research findings
- 00:29:49 Dark triad assortative mating patterns
- 00:31:13 High-leverage ways men can improve dating value
- 00:37:44 Age gap relationships
- 00:42:15 Black pill ideology and incel communities
- 00:49:41 Jordan Peterson vs. Andrew Tate as male influences
- 00:55:09 Vulnerability's role in male attraction
- 00:57:44 Closing thoughts on modern dating challenges
- 01:01:18 Wrap
"Modern Relationships" 
