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390. The Prisoner's Dilemma, Tit-for-Tat and Game Theory | Robert Sapolsky

The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast

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Cultural Differences in Societies that Punish Generosity

Cross-cultural studies reveal significant cultural differences in responses to generosity, with some societies displaying a trend of punishing acts of excessive generosity. This punitive behavior stems from a fear that allowing generosity will set a precedent for future behavior, leading to retribution for positive gestures. In certain cultures, individuals are penalized for virtuous acts, creating a paradoxical punishment for goodness. Such societies often exhibit high rates of bullying, abuse, and a decline in social capital, highlighting the detrimental impact of punishing generosity in a community.

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