cover of episode #841 - Dr Jamil Zaki - How To Be More Hopeful In A Cynical World

#841 - Dr Jamil Zaki - How To Be More Hopeful In A Cynical World

2024/9/21
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Cynicism, as defined in psychology, is the belief that people are inherently selfish. This perspective stems from negativity bias, an ancient survival mechanism where we prioritize negative information. While once useful, this bias can lead to a cynical worldview, impacting our trust and expectations.
  • Cynicism is a theory about people being selfish, greedy, and dishonest.
  • Negativity bias is an ancient survival mechanism.
  • Cynicism is turning negativity bias into an entire worldview.

Shownotes Transcript

Dr Jamil Zaki is a psychologist, professor at Stanford University, and an author.

In a world filled with fake news, bad news and doom, it’s easy to become cynical. But what does science say about whether cynicism helps or harm us? Why is it so seductive, and how can we all learn to become more hopeful?

Expect to learn why people are so tempted by cynicism, how skepticism is different, if cynical people are more or less happy, health, intelligent and successful, whether there is a reason to feel more hopeful, the role of optimism in your life, how to cultivate more positivity and much more…

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