Talks at Google
Ep378 - Lewis Dartnell | Being Human: How our Biology Shaped World History
Sep 5, 2023
Lewis Dartnell, author and research scientist, discusses how our biology has shaped our relationships, societies, economies, and wars throughout history. He explores the impact of psychoactive substances on the brain, the British trade in opium, the opioid crisis, and cognitive biases. Dartnell also delves into the influence of biology on human history and the role of cognitive biases in decision-making.
55:32
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Quick takeaways
- Human biology shapes both our exceptional abilities and our flaws, influencing our relationships, societies, economies, and wars.
- The interplay between biology and human progress is evident in the role of oxytocin, dopamine, and addictive substances in shaping our behavior and history.
Deep dives
The Biological Essence of Being Human
Human beings are endowed with exceptional communication and innovation skills, which have shaped our civilization. However, our flaws, such as diseases and cognitive biases, have also influenced our decisions and actions. Louis Darnell explores the contradictions of being human and how our biology has shaped our relationships, societies, economies, and wars throughout history. He delves into topics like the evolutionary development of bipedalism and intelligence, the biological basis of human family structures, and the impact of addictive substances like opium on human history. Darnell emphasizes the interplay between biology and human progress, challenging conventional narratives and providing novel perspectives.
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