Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg

Read the full transcript here. How does a behavioral scientist apply her knowledge to her own life? What fraction of our behaviors are deliberative, and what fraction are automatic? In what ways are we insufficiently scientific in our attempts to diagnose behavior problems? To what extent is introspection important for behavior change? Can behavior change take place without relatively accurate quantification and measurement? (For example, we know exact values for our bank account balance or our weight on the scale, but we don't know exact values for our level of happiness or how much progress we've made in meditation. To encourage behavior change in those more nebulous domains, is it useful to assign numbers to everything?) Can (and should) "sacred" things be quantified? What's the difference between customs and norms? Why do we often fail to generalize our own skills from one domain to other domains? How can we use stories to encourage behavior change? What are some new and different ways of connecting with others, especially during a pandemic? How can everyday items or events be tweaked to encourage behavior change? Ting Jiang is a global expert and thought leader in behavioral change and innovation. She received her Ph.D. in Experimental Economics but publishes findings across a broad range of disciplines. For the past 5 years, until January 1st, 2021, she served as a principal at Dan Ariely's behavioral science lab at Duke University, during which she led projects globally helping diverse organizations, companies, and tech startups to improve the behavioral uptake and retention of programs and products. The work she is most proud of is her own attempt to develop various science-based games for behavioral change, including a board game called "Healthy Money" for forming better spending and saving habits. Most recently, she's been calling for a collective reflection on whether the world is currently in the dark ages of human flourishing despite our advancement in tech and natural sciences. Find out more about her here. Staff Spencer Greenberg — Host / Director Josh Castle — Producer Ryan Kessler — Audio Engineer Uri Bram — Factotum Janaisa Baril — Transcriptionist Music Broke for Free Josh Woodward Lee Rosevere Quiet Music for Tiny Robots wowamusic zapsplat.com Affiliates Clearer Thinking GuidedTrack Mind Ease Positly UpLift

Julia Galef, author of "The Scout Mindset" and host of "Rationally Speaking", discusses the differences between scout and soldier mindsets. She reveals how adopting a scout mindset fosters honest communication and productive disagreements. The conversation dives into concepts like rational irrationality, the impact of social confidence in entrepreneurship, and the value of developing intrinsic values. Julia also shares strategies to shift from a soldier to a scout mindset, emphasizing the importance of intellectual honesty and personal growth.

Jesse Singal, a contributing writer for New York Magazine and co-host of Blocked and Reported, dives deep into the trustworthiness of social science research. He discusses the open science movement, the challenges of the replicability crisis, and the limitations of tools like the Implicit Association Test. Singal critiques popular psychological quick fixes and emphasizes the importance of transparency in research. He also highlights the need for systemic solutions over individual interventions when tackling societal issues like inequality and racial bias.

In this chat, data scientist Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, known for his bestseller "Everybody Lies," dives into the intriguing world of search data. He reveals how people often express hidden truths through their online searches rather than surveys, especially regarding mental health and societal biases. Seth discusses the unexpected factors influencing parenting outcomes and even how data can revolutionize dating by moving beyond superficial attraction. He also touches on the surprising connections between nature, community, and personal happiness, offering a fresh perspective on self-improvement.

Chris Sparks, a professional poker player and the founder of Forcing Function, shares fascinating insights into the world of poker and productivity. He discusses the OODA loop and its role in refining decision-making strategies, helping listeners understand human behavior in competitive environments. Sparks emphasizes the significance of a 'premortem' analysis to improve judgment and how creating personal forcing functions can enhance productivity. Through practical examples, he redefines productivity as an ongoing process rooted in action and feedback.

In this engaging discussion, Ronny Fernandez, a Philosophy PhD student at Rutgers University, dives into the intricate world of moral discourse and human rationality. He tackles normative hedonism and the complexities of selfishness versus altruism. The conversation explores the role of philosophy in creating systematic wisdom and the impact of morality on interpersonal relationships. Ronny also shares insights into the philosophy of persuasion, the importance of intuition, and the challenges of AI alignment, all while emphasizing the need for better rational discourse.

Dr. Roman Yampolskiy, a Tenured Associate Professor in Computer Science and Engineering, dives into the fascinating yet concerning world of superintelligence and AI alignment. He explores what superintelligence means and the ethical challenges it poses, such as controlling AI systems and potential exploitation by malicious actors. The discussion also examines the possibility of AI experiencing consciousness and distinct differences between artificial general intelligence and human intelligence. Yampolskiy emphasizes the importance of proactive measures for managing the implications of advanced AI on society.

In this engaging discussion, Daniel Ingram, a meditation expert and author of "Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha," dives into the profound effects of meditation. He examines the stages of insight and the physiological impacts of various techniques. The conversation also addresses the risks associated with meditation, highlighting the importance of personalized practices for beginners. Ingram shares unique experiences that challenge perceptions of reality and encourages a deeper understanding of ethical behavior in alleviating suffering. A fascinating exploration of the meditative journey!

In this conversation with Jacob Falkovich, a rationality expert and writer, they tackle the challenge of teaching rational thinking to an uninterested audience. Jacob reflects on COVID-19's impact on decision-making and how social dynamics influence our perceptions. He discusses why modern dating has become more complex, revealing concerning trends in singles' attitudes toward relationships. The duo also explores the intersection of rationality with spirituality and art, highlighting the potential for collaboration within diverse communities.

Michael Vassar, former president of the Singularity Institute and a savvy investor, explores the intriguing realm of preference falsification and its societal implications. He discusses how people often mask their true beliefs to align with societal norms, creating a disconnect in personal expression. Vassar contrasts conflict theory and mistake theory, diving into justice perceptions and the complexities of postmodernism. He even addresses the harsh realities of involuntary treatments in mental health, making for a thought-provoking and engaging conversation.