Is There Free Will? The Unsettling Science Behind Our Everyday Decisions | Dr. Robert Sapolsky episode artwork

EPISODE · Oct 18, 2023 · 1H 27M

Is There Free Will? The Unsettling Science Behind Our Everyday Decisions | Dr. Robert Sapolsky

from Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais

In a world where choices seem endless, could it be that our 'free will' is nothing more than an illusion? When it comes to things like choosing a morning run over an extra hour of sleep, opting for an apple instead of that enticing pint of ice cream, or quitting your job on a whim……What's truly guiding these decisions? Is it willpower, biology, environment, or perhaps a unique strength of character we've built over time?Or… could it be something else entirely, something beyond our control?Here's where our guest, Dr. Robert Sapolsky - a renowned Professor of Biology, Neurology and Neurosurgery at Stanford University - offers us a slightly unsettling, yet eye-opening, perspective.He suggests that every decision we make - from the podcasts we tune into, to judges making a case verdict, to choosing our life partner - isn't shaped by any sort of conscious control or free will. Instead, he believes our actions are driven by factors beyond our grasp and influence.Now, Sapolsky doesn't just challenge our perceptions of free will — he presents a compelling theory that could very well dismantle widely accepted beliefs in this arena.So, whether you're a leader interested in innovative ways to think about decision-making or someone craving deeply intellectual and exciting insights for your next dinner party, this conversation promises to radically reshape your perspective.And I can't wait for you to dive in!_________________Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more powerful conversations at the intersection of high performance, leadership, and meaning: https://www.youtube.com/c/FindingMasteryGet exclusive discounts and support our amazing sponsors! Go to: https://findingmastery.com/sponsors/Subscribe to the Finding Mastery newsletter for weekly high performance insights: https://www.findingmastery.com/newsletter Download Dr. Mike's Morning Mindset Routine! https://www.findingmastery.com/morningmindsetFollow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join us for a mind-bending conversation with distinguished Stanford Professor Dr. Robert Sapolsky, exploring a theory that not only challenges our understanding of free will but also has the potential to radically burn down everything we thought to be true about justice, fairness and achievement.

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Is There Free Will? The Unsettling Science Behind Our Everyday Decisions | Dr. Robert Sapolsky

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This episode is 1 hour and 27 minutes long.

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This episode was published on October 18, 2023.

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In a world where choices seem endless, could it be that our 'free will' is nothing more than an illusion? When it comes to things like choosing a morning run over an extra hour of sleep, opting for an apple instead of that enticing pint of ice...

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