Can we condition ourselves to be heroes? | Robert Sapolsky

Neuroscientist Robert Sapolsky on the science of temptation, and the limitations of your brain’s frontal cortex.

Ever hear the expression "it's all in your mind"? Well, according to Robert Sapolsky all the negativity in the world might all be coming from one part of the brain: the frontal cortex. The science of temptation runs parallel to the science of why people make "bad" decisions.

Sapolsky explains how active the frontal cortex can be in some people when they have the opportunity to do a bad thing... and how calm it can be in other people when presented with a similar situation.

Performing full-frontal lobotomies on the world's population to rid the world of negativity isn't exactly in the cards—but understanding the basis of the world's problems on a scientific (not to mention cranial level) might help make future generations much more adept at stopping humanity's biggest mistakes.

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Do we inhabit a multiverse? Do we have free will? What is love? Is evolution directional? There are no simple answers to life’s biggest questions, and that’s why they’re the questions occupying the world’s brightest minds.

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[Rekless]

Dr. Sapolsky is awesome, always enjoy his videos.

[BicycleFunk]

This fellow has a great lecture series on behavioral biology that you can find here on youtube.

[bonquva]

This reminds me of my friend ive known since a kid. He was always great at school, never struggled he always went home after school and the first thing he did was eat something then do his homework. Then go out and play with us or log online for games. Its been these recent few years where i have kept wondering and asking him how he does it so easily? When for me, if i know im supposed to study for the SATs i just have it infront of me and say like, ahh il do it after these 2 episodes of hunterxhunter..
So struggling w that ive kept asking him and his answe has always been " what do you mean? I. Just. do. it. If i know its meant to be done and its something i prioritize, then i just do it. before anything else"
And this video kinda touches exactly on that. Having principles. JUST DOING IT shia labeouf style

[AdamBechtol]

Another gem by Sapolsky.
As usual. As expected 👍.

[robertolara]

im screenwritter, Robert Sapolsky classes, just change my life. Wise man. Loveyou.

[ybwang]

that's so right. Every time I feel the impulse to do some good, my frontal lobe stops me. Works like a charm

[maxthemax]

People think denying free will is cold and devoid of humanity. What I have learned and intuited from Harris and Sapolsky on that matter is quite the opposite! The idea of free will being an illusion is an invitation to lower our judgments of others and to be ready to behave well. It should prompt people to forgive critically and to influence others positively. It's about nurturing and having compassion.

Instead, people debate whether I say that out of free will or not, as if it mattered! They seem to assume it implies a rejection of responsibility, accountability. Whether free will is true or not, we will pay for our actions! The only difference is how we should judge people and the type of consequence we "inflict".

[lumieres]

I have just discover Professor Sapolsky. It is so interesting. It is never too late !

[thatcopenguy]

I think it's deep rooted values.

I volunteer at a certain "heroic" organization. Mentally it wasn't a difficult decision to make. I wanted to do something where I'm not the beneficiary, so I signed up and took the role.

When my help is required, it's just automatic to respond. Exceptions can be made, sometimes I have very important things that can't be disturbed, but most of the time it's automatic to let go of what I'm doing and respond.

imo there will be a point in someone's life, when one feels secure enough, mentally and physically, that they start to think about what they could contribute beyond just for themselves.

Also, I very rarely ( can't say I don't or never ) cheat. It's just not something I do and I still want to have my integrity intact.

[Ro--]

Living in grace. A higher spirituality fostered by the sober awareness that we are not our thoughts and emotions, but instead, we are merely the awareness of them. The SELF is the awareness of our thoughts, not our thoughts themselves. Being present in the true SELF, in the eternal moment, allows all temptation to be revealed for what it truly is: irrelevant.

[SUCCESSPASS]

It’s easier for people to have a high level of self control if they’re happy and relaxed. Doing work you’re passionate about that excites you makes life a lot more pleasurable!

[ataraxia]

Wish more could truly grasp the significance of this. Instead of expecting ppl to do amazing things against their desire not to it’s more effective to just make it an automatic response. It’s less heroic and glamorous to do the hard but right thing not because you chose to but because it was just automatic bit it’s more reliable. Instead of being self disciplined through understanding the significance of it or having lots of motivation you need the right environment and habits set up. Instead of expecting people to choose not to do harmful drugs or treat each other well out of wanting the benefits of that, just get them conditioned with the right habits to avoid going off the path they need to be on.

[rexyboi]

So there really is a fine line between bravery and stupidity.

[dob]

Now the interesting question is: Why are these people like that?

[pammyt]

Nice to find Sapolsky who doesn’t attribute our outcomes to magical thinking or free will. Some are lucky and some aren’t. Surviving ptsd, I knew my whole brain got rewired in that moment, , there was no free will in that moment or in the aftermath. You just get thrown a completely different brain and try to learn to live with it. I know I have lack of reasoning now and lack of self preservation, I can’t make any decisions, really have no clue how I’d respond in those situations although my freeze response is really strong now.

[isatousarr]

The idea of conditioning oneself to be a hero is both inspiring and complex. Heroism often evokes images of grand, selfless acts of courage or extraordinary feats, but in reality, heroism can take many forms, from everyday acts of kindness and standing up for others to larger, risk-taking actions that benefit society. While certain traits associated with heroism, such as bravery, resilience, and compassion, may be in part influenced by our biology and upbringing, they can also be nurtured and developed through intentional practices and mindset shifts.

Conditioning oneself to be a hero starts with cultivating the right mindset. This means embracing values such as empathy, integrity, and the willingness to act despite fear or uncertainty. It involves challenging oneself to step outside of comfort zones, to practice moral courage, and to seek opportunities to help others, even when it may not be convenient or immediately rewarding. Through habits of self-reflection, continuous learning, and deliberate acts of kindness, we can train our minds and behaviors to prioritize the well-being of others and act in the face of adversity.

Resilience, an essential quality for heroism, can also be strengthened through life experiences that test our limits. Facing and overcoming challenges can build inner strength, making it easier to confront difficult situations in the future. For instance, participating in volunteer work or joining social movements that promote justice can be both empowering and transformative, reinforcing the belief that one’s actions can contribute to meaningful change.

However, conditioning ourselves to be heroes is not without its challenges. It requires self-awareness to understand the motives behind our actions and to ensure they are genuinely altruistic rather than driven by the desire for recognition or personal gain. It also demands a readiness to confront personal biases and to stand against social norms that may perpetuate harm. This process involves a commitment to growth, humility, and a readiness to accept that heroism can take many forms not all of which are dramatic or recognized by others.

Ultimately, while not everyone may be called to heroic deeds on a grand scale, it is possible for individuals to cultivate hero-like qualities that make a difference in their own lives and the lives of others. Heroism can be as simple as supporting a friend in need, speaking up against injustice, or dedicating time to community service. Through consistent practice, reflection, and a commitment to values that prioritize the common good, anyone can condition themselves to embody the spirit of a hero, fostering a world where acts of courage and kindness are the norm rather than the exception.

[FoolishlyAlive]

Seems like the more we bring thought into it, the more effortful it gets and the more the chance of giving in, so to speak. But if we let the mind clear and let a choice come to us instead of trying to make one appear, we automatically choose the good, right thing.

[fallenangel]

this is the best channel on youtube for me, underrated

[dannyiskandar]

and one of the most powerful way to do it automatic is through discipline: eat the right thing + exercise the right thing. In this way the willpower will become easy, or in other words will become automatic.

[angelahull]

To an extent, willpower can change us in the changing of our exterior habits. What overcoming temptation really does is prime us to be more docile to the transformative power of grace.