Disclosure: This episode was sponsored by Viome. This post may contain affiliate links or links to the sponsor’s website. If you purchase an item using this affiliate link, Impact Theory may receive commission.

As a special offer to my viewers, Viome is offering $110 off your test. Go to https://bit.ly/ViomeImpact and use code IMPACT to save.

Transform Your Life in 90 Days: Take The Impact 90 Challenge https://bit.ly/47kCfrZ

I had a super compelling conversation with the legendary biologist Robert Sapolsky to challenge the concept of free will and pull together what can be done with these ideas when you feel lazy and lack purpose or direction.

We dive into the unsettling reality that everything we perceive may just be a simulation, and how evolution has optimized us for survival, not accuracy. But don't despair! Even without god or free will, we discuss how you can still massively improve your life.

We explore the societal implications of free will being an illusion and why acting as if it exists could be beneficial for your mental health. Don't miss this riveting conversation that will challenge your perspective and empower you to leverage your biology for self-improvement.
Renowned biologist Robert Sapolsky, presents a compelling argument that free will is an illusion that is deeply rooted in our biology. His ground-breaking insights, as detailed in his book "Determined," challenge conventional wisdom and reshape our understanding of human behavior, asserting that we are in fact products of our biology, not the autonomous agents of free will you believe yourself to be.

If you’re on the edge of your seat wanting more, check out Robert Sapolsky’s latest book, Determined, A Life Without Free Will: https://www.amazon.com/Determined-Sci...

Chapter Markers:
[00:00] Introductions to No Free Will
[00:30] Misconception of Change
[17:47] Know Your Machine-ness
[26:42] Leveraging Biology & Self-Esteem
[40:17] Don’t Get Trapped By Illusion
[52:00] Unprovoked Violence
[1:02:50] The Biology of Monogamy
[1:11:57] Trapped By Your Biology
[1:32:33] Too Many Dopamine Highs
[1:46:00] Societal Isolation

Thought-Provoking Insights From Robert Sapolsky:

“Where people get into trouble is where change has occurred they conclude thus, I chose to change.”

“Look at a disease of people who are not able to do self-deception and who are not able to rationalize away reality, and what that is, is clinical depression. These are people who are pathologically prone to seeing the world the way it is.”

“People will work harder if they have good self-esteem. People will be able to put their shortcomings into proper perspective and realize that something bad is bad, but it’s not their entire world.”

“The issue isn’t that testosterone makes aggression more likely and that that’s the problem. The problem is that we hand out status for aggression so readily.”

“If you’ve got a system that resets that easily, by definition, whatever was an amazing wonderful surprise yesterday is going to feel like something you’re entitled to today, and it's going to feel insufficient tomorrow, and that’s the price of perpetual hunger…”

Follow Robert Sapolsky:
Website: http://www.robertsapolskyrocks.com/
Instagram:   / robert.sapolsky  

Follow Me, Tom Bilyeu:
Website: https://impacttheoryuniversity.com/
Twitter:   / tombilyeu  
Instagram:   / tombilyeu