Preview Mode Links will not work in preview mode

Global Optimum

Dec 10, 2019

This episode features:

-Why does men’s testosterone go down when they fall in love?

-Does “power posing” have any psychological effects?

-What is “humblebragging” and why does it pervade social media?

-Is our preference for democracy really a preference for high status?

-What is self-esteem?

-How to increase...


Nov 26, 2019

This episode features:

-Why does high status reduce creativity?

-How to remain creative as you gain status

-When should you distrust your own moral reasoning?

-How do we come to learn what counts as high status in our culture?

-What are the psychological underpinnings of “inspiration”?

-How to feel less motivated to...


Nov 12, 2019

This episode features:

-How do people behave differently when they are high vs low status?

-How did human social status evolve?

-Should you try to dampen your desire for status?

-Are EAs too credential-focused?

-Is publishing in academic journals overrated?

-Can you get more done by working alone than by starting...


Oct 22, 2019

This episode features:

-How to evaluate your chance of successfully completing difficult projects

-Can you be justified in believing that you are an extraordinary person who can do extraordinary things?

-When to trust the advice of others and when not to

-How to fail faster

-How to judge a project based on how well it...


Oct 1, 2019

This episode features:

-What are the best and worst studying techniques?

-Do “learning styles” exist?

-How to squeeze more learning into your day

-How to start learning a new field

-How to cultivate viewpoint diversity

-How to avoid getting parasitized by bad ideas

-Should you study in the morning or at night?

-Can...