Gad Saad

Gad Saad, a Visiting Professor at Northwood University and expert in evolutionary psychology, shares fascinating insights on how media exposure is transforming childhood innocence. He debates the implications of cognitive dissonance in political discourse, and explores decision-making complexities influenced by emotional states. Gad critiques modern art for its departure from tradition and examines the intersection of evolutionary theory with diet and health. The conversation also touches on the future of AI and its societal impacts, making for an engaging dialogue on modern challenges.

Dr. Gad Saad, a notable professor of marketing and author, joins the discussion on happiness and the power of ideas. They delve into the concept of 'idea pathogens' negatively influencing human behavior and explore the evolutionary basis of morality and religion. Saad shares insights from his Jewish heritage, discussing how these beliefs shape happiness. The conversation emphasizes authenticity in an era of political correctness and stresses the importance of courage in expressing personal convictions. Humor's role in academia also finds its way into this lively dialogue.

Join Gad Saad, a controversial author and award-winning professor, as he delves into the idea that happiness should not be chased but is a byproduct of authenticity and personal agency. He discusses the difference between fleeting happiness and deep fulfillment, emphasizing the need for self-awareness in complex relationships. Gad also touches on the importance of balancing various perspectives and the influences of evolutionary psychology on our interactions. Prepare for an enlightening conversation that challenges conventional views on happiness!

In this engaging discussion, Gad Saad, a professor and thought leader on societal issues, dives into the roots of civil unrest, drawing from his experiences during the Lebanese civil war. He critiques identity politics and highlights the dangers of extreme political rhetoric, particularly relating to figures like Trump. Gad emphasizes the importance of evidence-based reasoning in maintaining societal truths and explores the intricate dynamics of free will, empathy in public policy, and cultural movements. His insights provide a thought-provoking lens on today's pressing geopolitical challenges.

Gad Saad, a professor and author originally from Lebanon, shares his harrowing journey as a Jewish refugee during the civil war. He warns about the rising anti-Semitism and the dangers of identity politics echoing Lebanon's chaotic past. Saad emphasizes how vital Western values like freedom of speech are under threat and critiques contemporary ideologies that distort human nature. He also discusses the suppression of dissent in academia, stressing the importance of open dialogue to combat increasing extremism.

Everyone wants to be happy. The question “How can I be happy?” drives countless decisions across the world, and billions of dollars are spent on marketing a wide variety of answers to it. Increasing evidence shows, however, that unhappiness is on the rise. Already known to an audience of hundreds of thousands as “the therapist for everyone,” Dr. Saad contends that happiness is not merely a changeable mood, but a process toward which all people can strive by following basic steps known to humans for millennia; happiness can be measured and assessed, and strategies devised to achieve it. Drawing on scientific studies, the wisdom of ancient philosophy and religion, and his extraordinary personal experience as a refugee from war-torn Lebanon, Gad offers a provocative, helpful, and entertaining treatise on how to strive for happiness, win it, and keep it. Gad Saad, PhD, one of the best-known public intellectuals fighting the tyranny of political correctness, is a professor of marketing at the John Molson School of Business at Concordia University, where he held the Research Chair in Evolutionary Behavioral Sciences and Darwinian Consumption from 2008 to 2018. A pioneer in the application of evolutionary psychology to consumer behavior, he is the author of The Evolutionary Bases of Consumption, The Consuming Instinct, and numerous scientific papers and the editor of the book Evolutionary Psychology in the Business Sciences. His previous bestselling popular trade book is The Parasitic Mind: How Infectious Ideas Are Killing Common Sense. His new book is The Saad Truth about Happiness: 8 Secrets for Leading the Good Life. Shermer and Saad discuss: operational definitions of the “good life,” “happiness,” and “well being” • emotions • eudaimonia (the pursuit of meaning) versus hedonism (the pursuit of pleasure) • genetics and heritability • cultural components • the Big Five (OCEAN) • marriage (mate selection) • health • exercise and stress reduction • religion • anti-fragility • a playful outlook and curiosity • variety (the “spice of life”) • what the ancient Greeks got right about living the good life • how failure may actually be a key to more happiness • persistence, grit, and risk taking • regret and the dark side of consumption and addictions.

Gad Saad discusses the impact of postmodernism in the Western world, including victimhood culture, decline of happiness, limits of human relationships, role of religion in happiness, importance of play, correlation between happiness and severity of Covid-19 measures, creating a happier society, and understanding eudaimonia and hedonism.

I met Dr. Gad Saad at the Stanford Academic Freedom conference last November.See Episode #27.Lo and behold, Gad Saad is a big fan of you-know-who!Plus he has a lot in common with Sowell, as you will learn by listening to my interview with him today. We talk about two of Gad Saad's books:1) The Parasitic Mind (2020)2) The Saad Truth about Happiness (new)I discuss 4 themes of the James Bond character which I connect with both Sowell and Saad:1) Saving the world2) Love of country3) Intense masculinity 4) Tragic heroWe talk about Courage and Authenticity, two vital ingredients for happiness.Here are some useful links to enhance your enjoyment of the episode:• The Danish National Symphony performs Dr. No.• The Palm Springs Air Museum• "No Time to Die" by Epic OrchestraI hope you will be both shaken and stirred by this discussion!THERE ARE 3 WAYS TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST:1) Support the show financially by subscribing with a monthly contribution on Patreon:   www.Patreon.com/SowellGeniusThe money raised through Patreon supports our efforts to popularize the books and ideas of Thomas Sowell.----------------------------------------------2) Rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts. This helps a lot by nudging the show to the top of Google searches. I really appreciate the many positive reviews, especially this one by Jonsby: "This is one of the few podcasts that I actually slow down so I can savor it!"----------------------------------------------3) Purchase our Thomas Sowell Post It Note pads:  You can find all 250+ digital images of the post it notes HERE, feel free to download them and use them however you like.To purchase pads of printed post it notes, please visit our shop at: GeniusSowell.etsy.com I know you have thousands of other podcasts you could be listening to, and I truly appreciate the time and interest you show in mine.Alan WolanSupport the show• Find me on X (Twitter) at @alanwolan• Email me at WolanAlan@gmail.com• Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/SowellGenius• Purchase podcast merch at https://www.etsy.com/shop/GeniusSowell• See all my links at www.alanwolan.com

In this engaging discussion, Gad Saad, a prominent evolutionary behavioral scientist and author, tackles the erosion of truth in today's world. He shares his experiences with cancellations and emphasizes the importance of intellectual integrity. The conversation touches on 'idea pathogens' that distort reality, the delicate balance of free speech and hate speech, and the evolution of harmful ideas throughout history. Saad also reflects on his Orthodox Jewish upbringing, intertwining faith and identity with concepts from evolutionary psychology.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Gad Saad, an evolutionary behavioral scientist, critiques the implications of a looming political resignation in Canada while addressing the failures of current government actions. He delves into the concept of 'suicidal empathy,' highlighting its impact on society, particularly regarding rising Islamophobia. The conversation explores how superficial judgments cloud political leadership and the risks of provocative language. Saad emphasizes the importance of nuanced understanding in today's polarized climate, connecting empathy with accountability and critical thinking.