Modern Wisdom – #693 – Dr Robert Sapolsky – The Shocking New Science Of How To Manage Your Stress

Intro

In this episode of the “Modern Wisdom” podcast, Dr. Robert Sapolsky discusses the shocking new science of how to manage stress. He delves into the different impacts of short-term and long-term stress on the human body, the relationship between stress and empathy, the role of stress hormones, and the controversial topic of free will. Dr. Sapolsky explores the interplay between genetics and environment, the effects of stress on brain development, and the potential for reversing epigenetic changes. He also addresses the criminal justice system and the concept of meritocracy. This thought-provoking conversation challenges conventional wisdom and offers insights into stress management and human behavior.

Main Takeaways

Impact of Stress on the Body

• Short-term and long-term stress have different impacts on the human body.
• Prolonged stress can lead to neurodevelopmental consequences and poverty.
• Chronic stress can lead to health problems.

Stress and Empathy

• Stress has a negative impact on the brain, making people less empathetic, tolerant, and willing to take someone else’s perspective.
• The anterior singular cortex is the brain region relevant to the reduction in empathy caused by stress.
• Stress hormones disrupt the functioning of the brain’s empathy center.

Role of Stress Hormones

• Stress hormones help us deal with short-term physical crisis.
• Stress hormones are conserved across species.
• A drought can be given to block the effects of stress hormones and maintain empathy despite stress.

Genetics, Environment, and Behavior

• Genes are about vulnerabilities and potential, and their impact on behavior depends on the environment.
• Genetic risk profiles can be adverse when coupled with a stressful, abusive, or neglectful environment.
• Epigenetic effects can last lifelong and affect disease risks and bodily functions.

Controversy Around Free Will

• Free will is a myth according to Dr. Sapolsky.
• The idea of not having free will is demoralizing and frightening for many people.
• The criminal justice system needs to be re-evaluated if we are not conscious agents that have caused the actions we are being prosecuted for.

Summary

Impact of Stress on the Body

Short-term stress and long-term stress have distinct effects on the human body. While short-term stress hormones help us deal with physical crises, chronic stress can lead to neurodevelopmental consequences, poverty, and various health problems.

Stress and Empathy

Stress has a negative impact on the brain, making individuals less empathetic, tolerant, and willing to take someone else’s perspective. The anterior singular cortex, a specific brain region, is relevant to the reduction in empathy caused by stress. Stress hormones disrupt the functioning of the brain’s empathy center, further contributing to a self-interested focus and a narrow range of concern.

Role of Stress Hormones

Stress hormones play a crucial role in helping us deal with short-term physical crises. However, chronic psychosocial stress is a disastrous outcome of evolution. Stress hormones, conserved across species, can be blocked by interventions like a drought, enabling individuals to maintain empathy despite stress.

Genetics, Environment, and Behavior

Genes are not determinants of behavior but rather about vulnerabilities and potential. The impact of genes on behavior depends on the environment individuals are in. Adverse genetic risk profiles coupled with a stressful, abusive, or neglectful environment can have detrimental effects. Epigenetic changes, influenced by experiences and the environment, can last lifelong and affect disease risks and bodily functions.

Controversy Around Free Will

Dr. Sapolsky argues that free will is a myth. The idea of not having free will can be demoralizing and frightening for many people, challenging the notion of personal responsibility. This has implications for the criminal justice system, which is premised on the idea of punishing individuals for actions they had no control over. The concept of meritocracy is also questioned, as it rewards people for things they had no control over, leading to entitlement.

Conclusion

Dr. Robert Sapolsky’s discussion on stress management, the impact of stress on the body, the relationship between stress and empathy, and the controversial topic of free will challenges conventional wisdom. By understanding the interplay between genetics and environment, the effects of stress on brain development, and the potential for reversing epigenetic changes, individuals can adopt effective stress management strategies and gain insights into human behavior. The conversation also raises important questions about the criminal justice system, the concept of meritocracy, and the role of personal responsibility in society.