In this episode, Matthew Nagler and I discuss a bunch of things, after intending to focus on cognitive flexibility.

That's pretty meta...

We meander through various behavioral science "greatest hits," including the endowment effect, loss aversion, and altruism.

We explore how these phenomena affect human behavior and social dynamics, specifically by looking at a "prisoners' dilemma" type game show, and how one person's "Golden Ball" strategy shocked a nation.

Then we roll up our metaphorical sleeves and get serious about cognitive flexibility.

We explore the role it plays in personal identity, career changes, and societal issues like gender fluidity.

We also tackle thorny ethical questions of how to balance personal and societal concerns, and how to enhance human welfare for all in a world where my ability to change can seem like a direct threat to you.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:04 Exploring the Endowment Effect

04:15 Loss Aversion and Decision Making

18:49 Cognitive Flexibility and Personal Growth

38:58 Entering the Business World

39:36 Challenges in the Private Sector

41:18 Reflections on Meaningful Work

43:28 The Value of Teaching

49:14 Cognitive Flexibility and Social Impact

53:52 Balancing Personal and Social Responsibilities

01:00:17 Game Shows and Human Nature

Links

Zen and Economics — a Substack by Matthew Nagler 

Golden Balls - split or steal on YouTube

The Will of the Many, by James Islington

Catalog of Terry Pratchett's DiscWorld series

Affari Toui - Italian version of Deal or No Deal

Moral Ambition, by Rutger Bregman