The Surprising Science of Cynicism (Plus: The Policy Paradox of the 2024 Election)

The Surprising Science of Cynicism (Plus: The Policy Paradox of the 2024 Election)

Derek shares his biggest frustrations about the 2024 election, like the lack of a policy debate and blind spots in news coverage and polling analysis. Then he welcomes Jamil Zaki to the show: a professor of psychology at Stanford University and the director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab. Zaki is the author of ‘Hope for Cynics,’ a new book that explores tension at the heart of human affairs. On one hand, social cooperation is the basis of human civilization. And yet cynicism—a baseline aversion to social cooperation and assumption that most people are greedy, selfish, and dishonest—is also core to the human experience. We are constantly violating the secret of our own success by assuming the worst in others, and Professor Zaki explains why. If you have questions, observations, or ideas for future episodes, email us at PlainEnglish@Spotify.com. Host: Derek Thompson Guest: Jamil Zaki Producer: Devon Baroldi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episoder(361)

Two Israel-Palestine Historians Explain: How Did We Get Here? And What Happens Next?

Two Israel-Palestine Historians Explain: How Did We Get Here? And What Happens Next?

The eminent Israeli historian Benny Morris walks us through the origins of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, from antiquity to October 7. And the excellent historian of Palestine, Zachary Foster, digs...

31 Okt 20231h 8min

The Science of Achievement, With Adam Grant

The Science of Achievement, With Adam Grant

Today, we’re taking a break from war to talk about the science of human potential and a new book on that subject from the psychologist and bestselling author Adam Grant. In 'Hidden Potential,' Grant s...

27 Okt 202344min

Israel Has No Good Options

Israel Has No Good Options

Two things seem true: First, Israel has a profound moral right to defend itself from terrorism. Second, its current strategy could kill thousands of civilians, destroy its international reputation, br...

24 Okt 202341min

The Tragedy of Picking Sides in the Israel-Palestine Conflict

The Tragedy of Picking Sides in the Israel-Palestine Conflict

This is our second episode on the war between Israel and Hamas. Today’s guest is Peter Beinart. Peter Beinart is a professor at CUNY of journalism and political science, the editor at large of Jewish ...

17 Okt 20231h 1min

Inside the Trial of Sam Bankman-Fried

Inside the Trial of Sam Bankman-Fried

The former golden boy of crypto is on trial for one of the most lurid corporate fraud scandals of the century. What's happening at the trial? What are the most compelling pieces of evidence against hi...

13 Okt 202343min

Israel at War: Why Did Hamas Attack?

Israel at War: Why Did Hamas Attack?

What motivated the Hamas terrorist attack? How did Israel fail to stop it? What role is Iran playing in this conflict? What should Americans know about the state of Israel's chaotic internal politics?...

10 Okt 202352min

Disney’s Downfall: The Rise and Fall of an Entertainment Giant

Disney’s Downfall: The Rise and Fall of an Entertainment Giant

Hollywood has been decimated by the rise of streaming. At Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount, and Sony, profits on TV, film, and streaming went from $23 billion in 2013 to about zero in 2023. N...

3 Okt 20231h 4min

Why Americans are Losing Faith in College

Why Americans are Losing Faith in College

Twenty years ago, higher education was one of the most trusted institutions in America. Today, confidence in higher ed is falling among every demographic: young and old, men and women, Republicans and...

26 Sep 202358min

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