18 Shocking Psychology Lessons To Understand Yourself - Gurwinder Bhogal | Modern Wisdom 662

Added: Aug 3, 2023

Bhogal introduces the concept of hedonic adaptation, which suggests that humans quickly adapt to new circumstances and return to their baseline level of happiness. While this adaptation can be beneficial in some ways, it can also lead to constantly seeking higher standards and expectations. Bhogal emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between being grateful for what one has and striving for more. The Saint George in retirement syndrome is described as a phenomenon where individuals who fight against injustice come to define themselves by their fight. As they defeat one injustice, they feel the need to find new injustices to fight against in order to maintain their identity and sense of purpose. Bhogal highlights that this can lead to a never-ending cycle of searching for new causes and can be detrimental to personal growth and happiness. Opinion shopping is discussed as the tendency for individuals to ignore sources they disagree with and only seek out sources that confirm their existing beliefs. This confirmation bias can lead to a narrow-minded perspective and hinder intellectual growth. Bhogal emphasizes the importance of seeking out diverse perspectives and challenging one's own beliefs in order to foster a more well-rounded understanding of the world. The concept of karma is explored, with the understanding that it is not a mystical force but rather a reflection of one's own patterns, virtues, and flaws. Bhogal explains that individuals repeat these patterns until they learn the lessons they need to learn. While karma may not exist in a broader sense, it can be seen as a reflection of the consequences of one's actions and choices. The mismatch theory is introduced as the idea that humans are adapted to a different environment than the one they currently live in. Bhogal explains that our tribal nature, which was once beneficial for survival, can now lead to polarization and conflict in the digital age. Our brains are not equipped to handle the constant exposure to different opinions and the formation of online tribes. This mismatch between our evolved nature and the modern world can lead to negative consequences such as anger, bitterness, and misinformation. Bhogal continues the discussion by highlighting that intelligence does not always lead to intelligent goals. He explains that it is possible for individuals to use their intelligence to justify idiotic opinions and behaviors. This can be seen in academia, where individuals may use their intelligence to come up with bizarre and unsupported ideas in order to be original and interesting. Bhogal emphasizes the importance of being mindful of our goals and reasoning processes. Bhogal goes on to discuss the power of belief systems and how our intelligence can be used to convince ourselves of things that may not be true. He suggests that throughout history, humans have needed to believe in certain ideas or concepts in order to survive in a social context. He also explores the idea that our intelligence is calibrated to help us believe things that are not true, as it aids in our social interactions and survival. Next, Bhogal delves into the concept of theory of mind and consciousness. He suggests that these cognitive abilities allow us to model what others think of us and navigate complex social dynamics. He argues that our intelligence is used to portray ourselves as normal and functioning individuals, and that this ability to convince others of our sanity is a result of our intelligence. Bhogal introduces the concept of vestigial pattern bias, which refers to the tendency to cling to familiar and successful approaches even when they may no longer be effective. He argues that our intelligence can become a prison, as we rely on outdated methods and fail to adapt to new situations. He suggests that we should tap into our subconscious and past experiences to find new solutions and avoid stagnation. The einstelling effect is discussed as a phenomenon where pre-existing knowledge hinders our ability to find optimal solutions. Bhogal explains that when we believe we already have the answer, we become closed off to considering alternative solutions. This can prevent us from innovating and finding better solutions to problems. Path dependence is explored as a social manifestation of vestigial pattern bias. Bhogal suggests that when everyone in a society thinks in a similar way, it leads to path dependence, where people are unable to consider new possibilities and become trapped in outdated systems or beliefs. The concept of oppression Olympics is introduced, highlighting how social media has turned victimhood into a status symbol. Bhogal argues that people compete for sympathy and attention by collecting real or imagined injuries and using them to gain support and validation. He suggests that victimhood has become a currency in the attention economy, and people use it to manipulate others and gain power. Finally, Bhogal discusses presentism, which refers to the tendency to judge historical events and figures by modern standards. He argues that our ancestors were blind to the iniquities of their time, just as we may be blind to the ethical issues of our own time. He uses the example of slavery, suggesting that our forebearers were blind to its inhumane nature because it was so common and familiar to them. He suggests that future generations may view our treatment of animals in factory farms as equally evil. Throughout the podcast, Bhogal offers personal anecdotes and examples to support his arguments. He emphasizes the importance of challenging our own beliefs and being open to new ideas and perspectives. He encourages listeners to embrace unpredictability and find enjoyment in activities for their own sake, rather than solely focusing on goals or outcomes. In conclusion, this podcast episode provides thought-provoking insights into various psychological concepts and their implications for understanding ourselves and society. Bhogal encourages critical thinking and self-reflection, urging listeners to question their beliefs and consider alternative perspectives. By exploring topics such as belief systems, consciousness, bias, and social dynamics, he offers valuable lessons for personal growth and understanding.