There's No Free Will. What Now? - Robert Sapolsky

- VIDEO NOTES

Robert Sapolsky is an American neuroendocrinology researcher and author. He is a professor of biology, neurology, neurological sciences, and neurosurgery at Stanford University.

- TIMESTAMPS

0:00 Sapolsky’s case against free will
5:32 Why you never want a hungry judge
9:53 Do we have any free will?
22:02 The man with the hole in his head
26:42 How your ancestors determined who you are
30:57 Is it a bad thing that there’s no free will?
47:59 What changes if there’s no free will?

- SPECIAL THANKS

As always, I would like to direct extra gratitude to my top-tier patrons:

John Early
Dmitry C.
Mouthy Buddha
Solaf

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[MicahBuzanANIMATION]

Robert Sapolsky is the antidote to Jordan Peterson.

[Wyattinous]

His Stanford lectures were the first I was ever obsessed with learning about Humanity and human psychology in the 2000s as a kid. Glad he’s still around to discuss topics ❤

[tkirhgl]

how does he explain this stuff with such enthusiasm over and over a million times

[revenantwolzart]

I F*cking love honest and humble scientists! The Darwin of our times- Robert Sapolsky

[andrewofaiur]

Sapolsky is EVERYWHERE at the moment and this is one of the best places to be. Can't wait to have my existential crisis again.

[merarifreethought]

I don’t find it nihilistic. There’s a beauty and freedom to stepping back and observing the machine. Becoming the observer. The machine doesn’t stop working when you become aware of it. We don’t have that kind of power.

[bobvanluijt]

Alex is sooo good as an interviewer, especially on these complex topics.

[brimerwelpippy]

What the hell, I've been listening to both Alex and Sapolsky nonstop for the past month, this is literally so perfect !!

[panicatthegasstation]

What a reassuring voice and a comforting beard.

[shanehoustein]

I disagree with Sapolsky when he says that praise does not make sense. Why? Because as he says, our genes and our experiences make us who we are. By extension our behaviour towards others helps make them who they are. Therefore it makes sense to praise goodness in others, not because they deserve it (they had no free will in deciding to be good) but because their experience with us will make an imprint on them and influence the choices they will make (without free will) in the future.

[berkah]

We are free to do as we will, but we are not free to will what we will.

[moldychez]

Hell YES I've been listening to this guy's Stanford lectures on Behavioral Biology. So glad you're interviewing him!

[jb]

I think his point about hating someone’s guts for a few moments and then moving on is a great explanation of why social media just seems to provoke outrage:
On X, when you see something you disagree with, in that moment when you hate their guts, you can tell them and send a message directly to them. Something you would normally have just forgotten about and moved on from.

[Hutchinsonize]

Sapolsky isn't God, but he's right

[chrisvanallsburg]

The irony of being determined to tell others they have no free will.

[flywire]

I wasn’t aware that Sapolsky had a new book out; now that I am, I’m determined to get it.

[jomc]

I studied discovered Sapolsky's Stanford lectures during the pandemic. I recommend his book 'Behave'. The most fascinating read ever!

[llIIIIlllIIIllI]

Alex is the best interviewer. He just needs to make sure he keeps getting these interesting and engaging guests.

[HellowThar]

Thank you for holding ontellectual conversations without having the whole "gotta be the winner" pompousness most youtubers have. Really fills in the gap ive been looking for.

[JohnMushitu]

His Stanford lectures are a gold mine. I love them