David Pinsof, a research scientist at UCLA and co-creator of Cards Against Humanity, dives into the murky waters of human motivation and status. He reveals how our desires are often dressed in flattering narratives that don’t quite hold up. The conversation explores why we chase status, the complexities of self-awareness, and how societal perceptions skew our understanding of happiness. Pinsof also highlights the paradox of seeking meaning over fleeting joys and the significant impact of mundane connections in our lives.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. David Pinsof, an evolutionary social scientist at UCLA and co-creator of Cards Against Humanity, dives deep into the nature of 'bullshit.' He examines how social pressures distort truth for approval and the cultural nuances in communication styles. Pinsof explores the intricate dynamics of status games and the disturbing connection between happiness and societal status. He further critiques political polarization and the role of misinformation while advocating for genuine altruism and rational discourse in fostering positive change.

David Pinsof is an evolutionary social scientist and a co-creator of the game Cards Against Humanity. He holds a PhD in Psychology from UCLA, where he studied the evolutionary origins of political bullshit, and has written a handful of academic papers, one of which has been cited 152 times and another of which was quoted in the New York Times.     David is the author of the ‘Everything Is Bullshit’ Substack, which aims to poke holes in the stories we tell ourselves. He joins the show to discuss why happiness & morality are bullshit, the difference between bullshit & lying, why we conceal the status monkey, and more!     Important Links: David’s Twitter David’s Substack; Everything is Bullshit Cards Against Humanity The Execution Hypothesis; by Richard Wrangham Discordianism Our podcast with George Mack Our podcast with Will Storr Show Notes: What is bullshit? The difference between bullshitting and lying Why moralizing is bullshit Concealing the status monkey The origins of Cards Against Humanity How are status games changing? Why happiness is bullshit Happiness as a status symbol How can we escape bullshit? Why we’re driven by negative emotions How to become more positive The role of humor in calling out bullshit MUCH more! Books Mentioned: On Bullshit; by Harry G. Frankfurt Propaganda; by Edward Bernays Influence: Science and Practice; by Robert Cialdini The Moral Animal: Why We Are The Way We Are; by Robert Wright The Status Game: On Social Position and How We Use It; by Will Storr The Lucifer Principle: A Scientific Expedition Into the Forces of History; by Howard Bloom Why Buddhism is True: The Science and Philosophy of Meditation and Enlightenment Happy; by Derren Brown Tao Te Ching; by Lao Tzu Gödel, Escher, Bach; by Douglas Hofstadter

David Pinsof, co-creator of Cards Against Humanity and a researcher at UCLA Mind Labs, dives into the complexities of human behavior and status. He unpacks the cultural phenomenon behind his game and the relationship between authenticity and social status. Discover how wealth influences perception and how humor acts as social currency. Pinsof also distinguishes between lying and bullshitting, navigating the fears associated with mortality. His insights address mental health, social dynamics, and how personal fulfillment can clash with societal expectations.

David Pinsof, a research scientist with a PhD in Psychology from UCLA, dives into the captivating interplay between incentives, morality, and opinions. He discusses how behavior is driven by evolutionary incentives and how social dynamics shape our perceptions of virtue. The conversation also touches on the conflict between truth and status in science, exploring how biases can hinder objectivity. Finally, the role of likability and social acceptance in shaping opinions adds intriguing depth to the discussion.