Dr. Jamil Zaki, a Stanford psychology professor and director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience Laboratory, delves into the dangers of cynicism and its contrast with healthy skepticism. He explores how cynical attitudes can harm happiness and relationships, advocating for a growth-oriented mindset rooted in hope. Zaki shares science-backed strategies for enhancing emotional health and creativity, and addresses how social media influences our perceptions of trust. The discussion inspires listeners to foster a positive view of humanity and build better connections.

Dr. Jamil Zaki, a psychologist and Stanford professor, dives into the science of hope and cynicism. He explores why cynicism is so alluring and its detrimental effects on happiness and success. With insights on negativity bias, Zaki highlights the difference between cynicism and constructive skepticism. He provides practical strategies to cultivate hope, especially in a media-saturated world. Emphasizing the importance of vulnerability in social connections, he encourages listeners to shift from distrust to trust, promoting healthier interpersonal dynamics.

For a long time, scientists believed our capacity for empathy remains more or less fixed throughout our lives. But research by Jamil Zaki, a psychology professor at Stanford, shows that empathy is actually a skill we can cultivate. Jamil explains that there are different types of empathy — three, to be exact! — and we can learn to be more discerning about when we apply them. Maya and Jamil also discuss the dangers of caring too much, and how we can show compassion for others while avoiding burnout. For a behind-the-scenes look at the show, follow @DrMayaShankar on Instagram. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamil Zaki, a Stanford professor renowned for his research on human kindness, joins Dr. Laurie Santos, an expert in trust and optimism. They dive deep into the struggle against cynicism and how it affects relationships and societal trust. The conversation reveals that cynicism can hinder connection and mental health, while 'hopeful skepticism' promotes resilience. Zaki discusses practical ways to embrace hope, highlighting the importance of community and supportive relationships in enhancing well-being amidst modern challenges.

Dr. Jamil Zaki, a Stanford psychologist and author of 'Hope for Cynics,' discusses the hidden dangers of cynicism and its detrimental impacts on health and relationships. He shares his journey as a 'recovering cynic' and introduces the concept of hopeful skepticism as a powerful alternative. Zaki offers a step-by-step guide to transform one’s mindset, emphasizes the importance of empathy, and provides tips on engaging constructively in disagreements. He also sheds light on fostering kindness, especially in children, amidst a skeptical world.

Since Covid hit, many of us have seen fewer people and experienced more loneliness. Listener Ivana Cole wants to know what we can do to reconnect and asks, if we can't reconnect: "Can we be happy alone?"  Dr Laurie Santos looks at social connections and how make them with Stanford's Jamil Zaki (author of the War for Kindness). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Laurie Santos, a renowned psychologist studying happiness, and Dr. Jamil Zaki, a social psychology expert, dive into the art of disagreement. They reveal that our perceived divides may not be as vast as we think. Discussing the polarization in political views, they emphasize empathy and constructive dialogue. Zaki shares insights from his book, 'Hope for Cynics,' highlighting human goodness. Together, they advocate for understanding perspectives and fostering connections to bridge gaps in today's contentious climate.

Dr. Laurie Santos, a psychologist specializing in well-being, teams up with Dr. Jamil Zaki, an author studying human connection and kindness. They explore the surprising link between civic engagement and personal happiness. Listeners are inspired by stories of individuals who overcame cynicism and made impactful changes in their communities. They discuss the importance of fostering hope to combat disillusionment and emphasize how personal connections can encourage political action, illustrating that striving for change can actually enhance our joy.

Jamil Zaki, a Stanford psychology professor and director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab, dives into the concepts of trust and skepticism. He discusses how rampant cynicism affects our relationships and well-being, offering strategies like 'hopeful skepticism' to combat negativity. Zaki contrasts hope with optimism, advocating for proactive thinking. He introduces tools like 'encounter counting' to shift focus from negative to positive experiences, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue, empathy, and reflection in fostering trust and improving mental health.

Jamil Zaki, a psychology professor at Stanford University and director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab, discusses the dual nature of cynicism in human interactions. He highlights how cynicism, while often seen as smart, can actually undermine social cooperation. Zaki reveals how early experiences shape our trust and distrust and contrasts fishing communities in Brazil to illustrate these dynamics. The conversation dives into the impact of media on perception, emphasizing the importance of positive social interactions to foster hope and collaboration.