From Selfishness to Empathy
Evolution created us as beings driven by selfishness. Yet we are also capable of tremendous empathy and altruism. The challenge is to develop this capacity.
Robert Wright
American author, journalist, and cognitive scientist known for works on evolution, morality, and Buddhism.
All moments: Robert Wright
- Mindfulness as a Path to Compassion — Robert Wright
Mindfulness teaches us to see the world without our usual filters and biases. This opens the door to true compassion.
- Understanding the Adversary as a Path to Peace — Robert Wright
Conflict often arises not because one opponent is more wrong. Conflict arises because we do not try to understand each other's perspective.
- Technology and Human Progress — Robert Wright
Technology is a double-edged sword. It can free us from suffering and expand our capacities, but it can also amplify our worst traits.
- Cognitive Bias as a Source of Conflict — Robert Wright
Our brains constantly distort reality according to our biases. Awareness of this is the first step to overcoming conflict.
- Truth in Buddhism and Science — Robert Wright
Buddhism and modern science reach similar conclusions about the nature of mind and reality. This shows that spiritual inquiry and scientific inquiry can complement each other.
- How Evolution Shaped Morality — Robert Wright
Our morality is a product of evolution. Understanding this helps us see how our moral intuitions are often limited and how we can expand them.
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All music is folk music. I ain't never heard a horse sing a song.
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The most important thing is love and compassion. They override everything.
- Music Is Life — Jon Batiste
Music is a spiritual practice, a therapy, a way to connect us to ourselves and each other
- The Humility of the Great — André 3000
I just play the flute in the park. I don't need a stage or an audience. The music is enough
- Compromise and Conscience — Bob Dylan
I'll never sell my soul for money or fame. It's my only true asset.
- The Soul of Music — Questlove
Soul is what makes music real. It's what people feel