This is the first part of our conversation. The full episode and the complete archive of Subversive episodes, including exclusive episodes and my writing, are available on Substack.

Our conversation explores the concept of pronatalism, the role of parents in shaping the values and behaviors of their children, the influence of genetics and culture, the limitations of heritability studies, and the challenges of navigating the complex nature vs. nurture debate. We also talk about the complexity of personality traits, the challenges of measuring and understanding them, the different flavors of traits, and the role of parenting in shaping them. The discussion also touches on the search for meaning in life, the impact of career choices, the importance of parenting styles, and the need for pro-natalist policies.

Erik Hoel is an essayist, a neuroscientist, a novelist, and the author of one of my favorite Substacks: The Intrinsic Perspective

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Pronatalism and the Repugnant Conclusion

09:17 The Role of Parents in Shaping Values and Behaviors

18:59 Genetics, Heritability, and the Nature vs. Nurture Debate

40:22 The Complexity of Personality Traits

42:07 The Challenges of Measurement

46:12 Finding Meaning in Life

51:04 The Experience of Parenthood

56:49 Pronatalist Policies