The Backwards Law: Stop Chasing Happiness. Become Anti-fragile Instead. | Gad Saad

Added: Sep 20, 2023

Saad begins by defining happiness as an enduring sense of contentment and fulfillment, rather than momentary pleasures like eating ice cream or having good sex. He explains that true happiness is born out of a set of behaviors that make a person anti-fragile, meaning they are resilient and able to thrive in the face of challenges. Pursuing truth and authenticity are key components of this anti-fragile mindset.

The conversation then delves into the concept of pursuing happiness and the assumption that it is the ultimate goal in life. Saad argues that happiness should not be the primary focus, but rather a byproduct of living a life of truth and authenticity. He emphasizes the importance of defining one's own values and goals, and aligning one's actions with those values.

The discussion then turns to the idea of knowing oneself and the challenges of being authentic in a world that often values conformity and people-pleasing. Saad acknowledges that it can be difficult to navigate the tension between being true to oneself and wanting to fit in or avoid conflict. He suggests that humility and introspection are necessary in order to recognize one's own flaws and make necessary changes.

Saad and the host also explore the concept of frame of reference and how it shapes our perception of reality. They discuss how our beliefs and values influence the way we see the world, and how being aware of this can help us shape our frame of reference in a way that aligns with our values and goals.

The conversation then shifts to the importance of truth and freedom in achieving happiness. Saad argues that truth is slippery and difficult to define, but it is essential in building a solid foundation for happiness. He explains that there are axiomatic truths, such as mathematical truths, and empirical truths, which are based on evidence and observation. Saad emphasizes the importance of building a normal logical network of cumulative evidence to support one's beliefs and arguments.

The podcast also touches on the value of intellectual variety seeking and the benefits of being a generalist rather than a hyper-specialist. Saad argues that being a polymath, like Leonardo da Vinci, allows for a broader perspective and a deeper understanding of the world. He encourages listeners to seek intellectual variety and to challenge their own beliefs in order to grow and learn.

Saad shares his own academic career, where he has violated the "stay in your lane" mentality by studying and publishing in multiple disciplines. He sees himself as a polymath generalist, infusing an evolutionary lens into his various studies. While some universities have criticized his scattered CV, Saad believes that his broad range of interests and interdisciplinary approach are essential for solving complex problems.

The concept of consilience, introduced by E.O. Wilson, is discussed. Consilience refers to the unity of knowledge, where different disciplines agree on fundamental principles. Physics is considered more consilient than sociology because physicists have a coherent tree of knowledge, while sociologists often disagree on fundamental concepts. Saad argues that having a consilient mindset and being a generalist are crucial for cracking novel problems.

The conversation then shifts to the ability to predict the future accurately. Saad suggests that our brains are prediction engines optimized for making predictions, and this ability is valuable in solving problems. He mentions that getting one's spouse and work right are the most important factors for happiness. Saad also expresses his uneasiness about the world's inability to agree on fundamental concepts such as gender, as it affects relationships and happiness.

The discussion then delves into the value of variety and interdisciplinary thinking. Saad explains that having a broad set of interests allows for cross-connections and the ability to see things from different perspectives. He mentions that the most eminent scientists often have broad interests outside their field, which contributes to their success. Saad believes that variety and interdisciplinary thinking make life more exciting and help in understanding and solving complex problems.

The conversation touches on the power of evolutionary psychology in understanding human behavior. Saad gives an example of how evolutionary principles can be applied to analyze the content of the Old Testament. He explains that men and women respond differently to sexual and emotional infidelity due to evolutionary reasons. Men are more threatened by sexual infidelity, while women are more threatened by emotional infidelity. Saad emphasizes the practical value of evolutionary psychology in understanding human behavior and relationships.

The discussion then explores the concept of play and how science is a form of puzzle-making. Saad believes that life should be approached as a playground, where one can explore different intellectual pursuits and have a playful mindset. He mentions that science is like storytelling, using evidence to tell a compelling story. Saad highlights the importance of incorporating evolutionary thinking into different disciplines, such as literature and history, to gain a deeper understanding of the human condition.

The conversation continues with a personal anecdote about Saad's experience with religious beliefs. He shares a touching moment when a religious person prayed for him, despite his own lack of religious beliefs. Saad emphasizes the importance of tolerating different worldviews and coexisting peacefully, while also expressing his criticism of religious claims that contradict scientific tenets.

The conversation continues with Saad recounting an experience where he attended a religious gathering and was moved by the sincerity and beauty of the rituals, despite not being a believer himself. He expresses his admiration for the man leading the prayers and discusses how he can appreciate the authenticity and love expressed in such moments, even without sharing the same beliefs.

Saad then delves into the topic of religion and its correlation with happiness. He acknowledges that religious people tend to be slightly happier on average, but also emphasizes that non-believers can find happiness and spiritual experiences in other ways. He believes that one can find awe-inspiring moments and a sense of divinity in various aspects of life, without relying on supernatural narratives.

The conversation shifts to the concept of kneeling before something greater than oneself. Saad mentions a quote from the Bible about kneeling before God, which he interprets as a Jewish principle of not bowing down to human beings but only to God. He appreciates the idea of maintaining one's dignity and not abasing oneself to others, while still being open to sincere apologies when necessary.

Saad explores the idea of how non-believers can find meaning and purpose in life without relying on religious beliefs. He suggests that immortality can be achieved through leaving a lasting legacy, such as having children or creating something that will be remembered and appreciated by others. He also emphasizes the importance of doing meaningful things and finding purpose in one's pursuits.

The conversation then turns to the role of religion as a unifying narrative and its decline in modern society. Saad and the host discuss how religion used to be a dominant factor in dividing people geographically, but now there is a breakdown of that unifying force. They explore the impact of social media algorithms and the need for a new framework that can bring people together and address the increasing fragmentation in society.

Saad raises the question of how to collectively kneel for the same reason without relying on religion. He suggests building strong families, doing meaningful things, and seeking eternal connections through creative endeavors. He acknowledges the existential angst of mortality but believes that one can find immortality through leaving a positive impact on the world.

The conversation continues with a discussion on the importance of freedom of speech. Saad emphasizes the need to allow everyone to express their opinions, even if they are offensive or false, as it is a fundamental aspect of a free society. He shares examples of extreme cases, such as supporting the right of Holocaust deniers to express their views, to illustrate the importance of upholding freedom of speech.

Saad continues by discussing the concept of minimal government intervention and its impact on personal happiness. He believes that the government's role should be limited to ensuring order and protecting individual rights, rather than heavily regulating and taxing individuals. He uses the example of book royalties to illustrate his point, explaining that the financial rewards of one's thoughts and creativity should not be excessively taxed by the government.

He criticizes the high tax rates in Canada, particularly in Quebec, where he resides. Saad feels that the current tax system is unfair and inhibits personal freedom. He argues that individuals should have the freedom to keep a larger portion of their income and make their own choices about how to spend it. He suggests implementing a fixed fee or percentage for everyone in society to ensure fairness and personal agency.

Saad also discusses the importance of temporal freedom in one's job. He believes that individuals should have the freedom to decide when and how they work, as this leads to greater occupational happiness. He uses the example of his own career as a professor, where he has the flexibility to choose his own schedule and work on projects that align with his interests and creativity. He emphasizes that personal freedom allows individuals to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.

The conversation then shifts to the broader implications of personal freedom and its impact on society. Saad argues that personal agency and freedom are essential for human dignity and individual fulfillment. He believes that individuals should have the freedom to make their own choices and pursue their own goals, rather than being constrained by government regulations and societal expectations.

Saad acknowledges that achieving personal freedom can be challenging, as it often requires making difficult decisions and taking risks. He emphasizes the importance of persistence and resilience in the face of failure and rejection. He shares examples of successful individuals, such as Lionel Messi, Michael Jordan, J.K. Rowling, and Steven Spielberg, who faced numerous rejections and failures before achieving success. Saad believes that being anti-fragile and embracing failure is a fundamental part of achieving personal freedom and happiness.

The conversation also touches on the role of evolution in shaping human behavior and decision-making. Saad defends the value of evolutionary psychology, arguing that it provides a rigorous framework for understanding human nature and behavior. He emphasizes the importance of evidence-based reasoning and multiple lines of research in evolutionary psychology.

Saad continues by discussing the conflict between personal authenticity and strategic decision-making. He acknowledges the importance of being authentic and true to oneself, but also recognizes the need for strategic decision-making in order to achieve one's goals. He encourages individuals to find a balance between authenticity and strategic thinking in order to navigate the complexities of life and achieve personal fulfillment.

Saad continues by explaining that happiness is often seen as the ultimate goal in life, but this perspective may be flawed. He argues that happiness is not a constant state, but rather a fleeting emotion that arises from positive experiences. Saad suggests that our obsession with happiness can lead to disappointment and dissatisfaction because we are constantly seeking external validation and relying on external factors to make us happy.

According to Saad, the pursuit of happiness can also lead to a sense of entitlement and a lack of resilience. He believes that true happiness comes from within and is not dependent on external circumstances. Saad introduces the concept of anti-fragility, which is the ability to thrive and grow in the face of adversity. He explains that anti-fragile individuals embrace challenges and setbacks as opportunities for personal development and learning.

Saad emphasizes the importance of embracing discomfort and uncertainty in order to become anti-fragile. He suggests that instead of avoiding difficult situations, we should actively seek them out and view them as opportunities for growth. Saad argues that by facing our fears and pushing ourselves outside of our comfort zones, we can develop resilience and become better equipped to handle life's challenges.

Saad also discusses the role of authenticity in the pursuit of happiness. He believes that being true to oneself is essential for personal fulfillment. However, he cautions against using authenticity as an excuse for bad behavior or disregarding the feelings of others. Saad suggests that authenticity should be balanced with empathy and consideration for others.

Throughout the podcast, Saad provides examples and anecdotes to illustrate his points. He shares personal experiences and observations to support his argument that the pursuit of happiness should be replaced with a focus on becoming anti-fragile. Saad also acknowledges that his perspective may not resonate with everyone and encourages listeners to critically evaluate his ideas.