Dr. Robert Sapolsky chats about stress, how it affects our feelings towards others, our brain’s workings, and our sense of control. He talks about how tough early life can mess with our genes and how questioning free will can change how we see blame and punishment. Stress makes us rethink what’s really behind our actions and opens the door to making positive changes.
- Stress affects: It diminishes empathy, tolerance, and perspective-taking abilities.
- Brain’s role during stress: The anterior cingulate cortex interprets pain and empathy, affecting reactions to stress-induced situations.
- Impact of stress on agency: Chronic stress strains the cardiovascular system, diminishing agency and control.
- Epigenetics and stress: Stress in early life can alter epigenetic switches, affecting brain development and potentially impacting generations.
- Re-evaluation of free will: Reconsidering free will, challenges traditional notions of blame, punishment, and societal structures.