Dan Harris
Ten Percent Happier
How And Why To Avoid The Siren Call Of Cynicism | Dr. Jamil Zaki
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How And Why To Avoid The Siren Call Of Cynicism | Dr. Jamil Zaki

This Stanford psychologist has evidence that being a cynic is bad for your health, and offers a non-corny alternative. 

Dr. Jamil Zaki is a professor of psychology at Stanford University and the director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab. He’s the author of The War for Kindness: Building Empathy in a Fractured World, and his new book is called Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness.

In this episode we talk about:

  • What cynicism is, and why it’s so appealing

  • His own history as a “recovering cynic,”

  • How to know if you yourself are a cynic

  • A step-by-step guide to start developing the “hopeful skeptic” mindset

  • How to get better at disagreeing with other people, including some rules of engagement

  • And how to encourage kids not to become cynical

Related Episodes:

How (and Why) to Hack Your Empathy | Jamil Zaki

Reversing the Golden Rule | Jamil Zaki

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Dan Harris
Ten Percent Happier
Dan Harris is a fidgety, skeptical journalist who had a panic attack on live national television, which led him to try something he otherwise never would have considered: meditation. He went on to write the bestselling book 10% Happier. On this show, Dan talks with eminent meditation teachers, top scientists, and even the odd celebrity.