135 - Robin Hanson on 'The Elephant in the Brain'

Robin Hanson is a professor of economics at George Mason University. He is the author of The Age of Em and co-author of the new book The Elephant in the Brain: Hidden Motives in Everyday Life which is a facilitating look into the real reasons that motivate people and society. Topics Discussed: - Robin’s new book, The Elephant in the Brain - Split brain patients - The reasons for vague language - The lack of correlation between medicine and health - Using gifts to show how much we care - The cost of violating norms - Why religious people are healthier and wealthier - Demonstrating group loyalty through ritual - Religion and politics - Signaling and education - Our choices have audiences - How signals change For full show notes visit isaacmorehouse.com/podcast