Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas cover image

AMA | October 2024

Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas

NOTE

Willpower is a Future Investment

Willpower is fundamentally a skill that can be honed, focusing not on surpassing others but rather on personal goals, such as improving health habits. It serves as a bridge between our present and future selves, allowing us to resist immediate temptations for potential long-term benefits. The human mind continually evaluates choices, weighing short-term desires against future rewards. Interestingly, despite this capacity for decision-making, enhancing willpower does not appear to be a natural optimization; rather, it raises questions about why our minds struggle to prioritize long-term happiness effectively.

00:00
Transcript
Play full episode

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner