#841 Dr Jamil Zaki - Why Has Everyone Become So Cynical?

This episode of the "Modern Wisdom" features Dr. Jamil Zaki, a psychologist from Stanford University, about cynicism. Dr. Zaki defines cynicism as a worldview rooted in the belief that people are inherently selfish and untrustworthy. He explains the origins of cynicism in the "negativity bias" of the human brain, which makes us more attuned to negative information, and how this bias can manifest in our behavior and interpersonal relationships. The podcast further explores the impact of cynicism on personal well-being, professional success, and even the health of social groups, arguing that cynicism is not a sign of intelligence but a replacement for it. Finally, the episode offers practical tools for combating cynicism by shifting our mindset toward skepticism and cultivating hope, which is defined as the belief that things could turn out well, making room for our actions to matter.

Listen to the full episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3VinfdycwxkTvDi2j1fEtn