Morality or Biology? Rethinking the Dark Side of Human Nature — Dr Guy Leschziner episode artwork

EPISODE · May 8, 2025 · 56 MIN

Morality or Biology? Rethinking the Dark Side of Human Nature — Dr Guy Leschziner

from The Weekend University · host Insights for Evolving Consciousness.

In this episode, I speak with Professor Guy Leschziner, a consultant neurologist and author of three bestselling books, including: “The Man Who Tasted Words”, “The Secret World of Sleep”, and “The Seven Deadly Sins”, which this interview focuses on. Drawing on insights from evolutionary biology, genetics, and clinical neurology, Guy makes a compelling case that what we label as “sin” may often have a biological cause, and isn’t necessarily a moral failing. Expect to learn: — Why our so-called “sins” evolved as adaptive traits—and why they still serve a purpose — How free will may be more of a spectrum than a binary — Why understanding the biology of behaviour could radically change the criminal justice system — The disturbing story of Robert Alton Harris—and what it reveals about judgment, compassion, and accountability And more. You can learn more about Guy’s work at https://www.guyleschziner.com. --- Dr Guy Leschziner is a neurologist with special expertise in sleep disorders and epilepsy. Dr Leschziner is Consultant Neurologist at London Bridge Hospital and Clinical Lead for the Sleep Disorders Centre at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London, one of the largest sleep units in Europe. He also practices at London Bridge Hospital and the Cromwell Hospital. He is also Reader in Neurology at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London. Under the broad umbrella of sleep disorders, Dr Leschziner is a particular authority on narcolepsy, sleepwalking, Kleine-Levin syndrome and restless legs syndrome. Dr Leschziner is also enthusiastically engaged with public education through a wide range of media work. He presented a popular radio series for the BBC, Mysteries of Sleep, as well as The Secrets of Sleep for Channel 4 television in the UK. He has also been an expert commentator for BBC News and The Guardian. Dr Leschziner is also the author of several books: The Nocturnal Brain: Nightmares, Neuroscience and the Secret World of Sleep, The Man Who Tasted Words, and The Seven Deadly Sins. --- Interview Links: — Dr. Leschziner’s website - https://www.guyleschziner.com — Dr. Leschziner’s books: https://amzn.to/4dbnFru

In this episode, I speak with Professor Guy Leschziner, a consultant neurologist and author of three bestselling books, including: “The Man Who Tasted Words”, “The Secret World of Sleep”, and “The Seven Deadly Sins”, which this interview focuses on. Drawing on insights from evolutionary biology, genetics, and clinical neurology, Guy makes a compelling case that what we label as “sin” may often have a biological cause, and isn’t necessarily a moral failing. Expect to learn: — Why our so-called “sins” evolved as adaptive traits—and why they still serve a purpose — How free will may be more of a spectrum than a binary — Why understanding the biology of behaviour could radically change the criminal justice system — The disturbing story of Robert Alton Harris—and what it reveals about judgment, compassion, and accountability And more. You can learn more about Guy’s work at https://www.guyleschziner.com. --- Dr Guy Leschziner is a neurologist with special expertise in sleep disorders and epilepsy. Dr Leschziner is Consultant Neurologist at London Bridge Hospital and Clinical Lead for the Sleep Disorders Centre at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London, one of the largest sleep units in Europe. He also practices at London Bridge Hospital and the Cromwell Hospital. He is also Reader in Neurology at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London. Under the broad umbrella of sleep disorders, Dr Leschziner is a particular authority on narcolepsy, sleepwalking, Kleine-Levin syndrome and restless legs syndrome. Dr Leschziner is also enthusiastically engaged with public education through a wide range of media work. He presented a popular radio series for the BBC, Mysteries of Sleep, as well as The Secrets of Sleep for Channel 4 television in the UK. He has also been an expert commentator for BBC News and The Guardian. Dr Leschziner is also the author of several books: The Nocturnal Brain: Nightmares, Neuroscience and the Secret World of Sleep, The Man Who Tasted Words, and The Seven Deadly Sins. --- Interview Links: — Dr. Leschziner’s website - https://www.guyleschziner.com — Dr. Leschziner’s books: https://amzn.to/4dbnFru

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Morality or Biology? Rethinking the Dark Side of Human Nature — Dr Guy Leschziner

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This episode was published on May 8, 2025.

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In this episode, I speak with Professor Guy Leschziner, a consultant neurologist and author of three bestselling books, including: “The Man Who Tasted Words”, “The Secret World of Sleep”, and “The Seven Deadly Sins”, which this interview focuses on....

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