Modern Wisdom #693 - Dr Robert Sapolsky - The Shocking New Science Of How To Manage Your Stress
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Oct 14, 2023 
Dr. Robert Sapolsky, a Stanford University professor and leading researcher on stress, dives deep into the complexities of stress management. He highlights the crucial differences between short-term and long-term stress and its impact on mental health and behavior. Sapolsky challenges the notion of free will in our responses to stress, tying it to societal issues like obesity and poverty. He explores how neurobiology and external factors shape our reactions, advocating for empathy and understanding in navigating the stressful landscapes of life.
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Stress and Empathy
- Stress reduces empathy by disrupting the anterior cingulate cortex, the brain region responsible for feeling others' pain.
- This narrowing of concern makes people less generous and more self-interested during stressful times.
Free Will: A Myth?
- Robert Sapolsky believes free will is a myth, based on his understanding of biology and environment's influence.
- He argues that our actions are predetermined by factors beyond our fundamental control.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Stress
- Short-term stress, like being chased by a dinosaur, is a life-saving ancient mechanism.
- Chronic psychosocial stress, unique to humans, arises from our ability to anticipate and ruminate, leading to health issues.
