Behave: the Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst - Robert Sapolsky

In this epic deep-dive episode, brothers JD and Andrew Dennison tackle Robert Sapolsky's masterwork "Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst." We explore how our brains, hormones, genes, and environment shape human behavior from seconds to millions of years before an action occurs. From the neuroscience of decision-making to the evolutionary roots of tribalism, they break down Sapolsky's fascinating insights into why we do what we do.

Key topics include:

 

How different brain regions like the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and dopamine systems influence our choices

Why testosterone isn't just about aggression

The surprising truth about oxytocin (it's not all free love!)

What adolescent brain development reveals about human nature

How cultural evolution and biology intertwine to shape societies

 

00:07:42 Chapter 2: 1 second before: Neuroscience
00:44:46 Chapter 4 Hours to Days Before: Hormones
1:04:51 Chapter 5: Days to Months Before: Neuroplasticity
01:09:59 Chapter 6 Adolescence or Dude Where’s my Cortex
1:20:21 Chapter 7 Years Before Back to the Crib Back to the Womb
1:29:28 Chapter 8 Fertilized egg or how our genetic affect our behavior
1:38:21 Chapter 9 Centuries to Millennia : cultures
1:47:13 Chapter 11 Us Vs. Them
2:03:06 Chapter 12 Hierarchy, obedience and resistance
2:17:16 Chapter 13 Morality doing the right thing
2:17:22 Chapter 14: feeling someone’s pain as your own
2:23:57 Chapter 15: Metaphors we kill by
2:33:02 Chapter 16: Biology The criminal justice system and oh why not free will
2:45:17 Chapter 17: war and Peace

 

The brothers share their enthusiasm for Sapolsky's brilliant writing style and humor while navigating complex topics like free will, human nature, and the biology behind both our best and worst behaviors. This comprehensive look at "Behave" showcases why it's a defining book in understanding human behavior through multiple scientific lenses.

Note: This is episode 5 of the "Human Evolution” season, where JD and Andrew explore groundbreaking books about what makes us human, from evolutionary biology to neuroscience and beyond.