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Paul Bloom on the Psychology of Children, and the Morality of Empathy and Disgust

Conversations with Tyler

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Mirror Neurons are a myth. Psychopaths don't live great lives.

Mirror neurons, often credited with explaining complex behaviors like empathy, autism, and language learning, are largely overstated and lack the empirical support once believed. Their role in neuroscience is still debated but overall, the concept has diminished in perceived importance. Psychopaths, often glamorized in popular culture, face a more complex reality; many studies reveal they often exhibit below-average intelligence and higher rates of depression, contradicting the notion of them as invulnerable or liberated individuals. Contrary to the stereotype that all psychopaths are dangerous, most do not conform to the sensationalized archetype, and their lives can be quite challenging. Furthermore, the appeal of such personas may stem from their ability to manipulate social interactions without emotional constraints, but the genuine human connections we value depend on kindness and empathy, traits typically absent in those considered sociopaths.

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