#474 - Seth Stephens-Davidowitz - How To Live The Perfect Life, Using Data
May 16, 2022
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Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, a data scientist and author of "Don't Trust Your Gut," dives into patterns revealed by extensive data analysis. He critiques traditional self-help with evidence-backed advice on happiness, emphasizing that genuine experiences matter more than wealth. Seth discusses how data shapes perceptions of beauty and attractiveness, urging authenticity in dating. He also uncovers myths in entrepreneurship, highlighting experience over youth, and stresses the importance of practice and environment for success. Tune in for insights that could transform your life!
Being polarizing in appearance can increase dating prospects.
Most successful entrepreneurs gain deep expertise in a field before venturing out on their own.
Neighborhoods have a significant influence on children's outcomes and aspirations.
Deep dives
The Best Way to Optimize Personal Appearance for Dating Success
A data scientist conducted a study on personal appearance and dating success. The study found that being polarizing in appearance is more effective than conforming to conventional attractiveness standards. People with extreme looks, such as shaved heads or unique glasses, were found to be more successful in attracting potential partners. The study also highlighted the importance of taking advantage of similarity, as people are naturally drawn to those who resemble them in various aspects. It recommended being an extreme version of oneself and not being afraid to stand out to increase dating prospects.
Insights on Becoming Rich: Owning Something and Avoiding Competitive Fields
A study analyzing wealthy individuals found that most successful entrepreneurs are not young prodigies but rather individuals who have spent years becoming deeply knowledgeable in a particular field before branching out on their own. The study emphasized the importance of owning something to achieve wealth, with approximately 84% of the wealthiest individuals making their money from ownership rather than salaries. Additionally, the study revealed the significance of avoiding highly competitive industries and seeking local monopolies, as legal protections can offer an advantage. The research challenged the common perception that entrepreneurs should start young and highlighted the benefits of patience and expertise in building wealth.
Debunking Entrepreneurship Myths: The Age of Success and Importance of Expertise
Contrary to popular belief, the average age of successful entrepreneurs is around 42, and the likelihood of entrepreneurial success continues to increase until the age of 60. This challenges the prevailing notion that young entrepreneurs are the most successful. The study indicated that the path to success involves gaining deep expertise in a field and working as an employee, establishing oneself as valuable before venturing into entrepreneurship. It debunked the myth that being a bad employee is advantageous, emphasizing that the most successful entrepreneurs often enter the top income percentile even before starting their own businesses. The research emphasized the importance of patience, knowledge, and experience in achieving entrepreneurial success.
The Influence of Neighborhoods on Children's Outcomes
The podcast episode discusses the impact of neighborhoods on children's outcomes based on studies comparing twins and adoptees. It suggests that the role of parents in shaping a child's future is smaller than commonly believed. Instead, the research indicates that the neighborhood in which a child grows up has a significant influence on their success and well-being. The presence of engaged and active adults in the neighborhood, such as those who fill out census forms, is linked to positive outcomes for children. Additionally, exposure to diverse and successful individuals in the neighborhood can have a profound impact on a child's aspirations and future paths.
The Importance of Quantity and Exposure in Success
The podcast highlights the significance of quantity and exposure in achieving success. It draws examples from various fields, including art and sports. In art, the research suggests that creating and exhibiting a greater quantity of work increases the chances of getting a lucky break. Similarly, in sports such as basketball, the presence of identical twins as successful athletes indicates a genetic advantage, emphasizing the role of height. The podcast also explores the importance of exposing oneself widely to increase the chances of finding opportunities and luck. Taking risks, presenting work to different galleries or markets, and networking with diverse individuals can significantly impact one's success and achieving desired outcomes.
Seth Stephens-Davidowitz is a data scientist, economist and author.
Imagine if you had access to millions of data points which tell you exactly what makes people happy, or makes people attracted to you, or what actually influences your child's outcomes in life, or the most reliable way to become rich. Well Seth did, and he wrote a book with all his findings in it.
Expect to learn how you can conduct a survey to test different appearance styles to find out which is best for you, what personality traits result in the happiest relationships, which activities which make you most and least happy, the secret industries of people who become rich in America, how to hack luck using data and much more...
