In today’s episode, we tackle a subject that’s hitting hard in our world right now: cynicism. Cynicism creeps into our thoughts, erodes our connections, and chips away at our belief in one another. To help us untangle this, we have an extraordinary guest, Dr. Jamil Zaki, a professor of psychology at Stanford University and an expert in empathy and kindness. His new book, Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness, reveals how we can overcome cynicism through hopeful skepticism.
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“It’s not that we have to overcome our instincts to be kind. It’s that our instincts, and indeed, one of our greatest sources of pleasure, is being kind to other people.”
Dr. Jamil Zaki
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Listen Notes, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. You can watch the interview on YouTube below.
Escaping the Cynicism Trap: Dr. Jamil Zakiโs Insights on Human Goodness
Dr. Jamil Zaki shares powerful insights from over two decades of research on how to escape the cynicism trap and boost your mental well-being. We discuss the myth of the cynical genius, how to combat polarization and foster a more unified world. Dr. Zaki also delves into his personal journey, including how his parents’ difficult divorce influenced his study of empathy and understanding others.
We explore the profound research on empathy and kindness, including the work of Dacher Keltner on moral beauty and awe. Dr. Zaki explains how witnessing acts of kindness can make us feel part of a greater whole and how our brains are fundamentally organized for connection.
One of the most touching parts of our conversation is Dr. Zaki’s tribute to his friend and hero, Emile Bruneau, a peace neuroscientist who lived a life full of hope and compassion despite facing significant adversity. Emil’s story serves as a powerful example of how choosing hope can lead to a beautiful and impactful life.
In this episode, youโll learn:
- The impact of cynicism on personal and social lives
- The role of cynicism in US politics and worldwide
- How cynicism affects society’s ability to address major issues
- The harmful effects of cynicism on health, relationships, and careers
- The misconception that cynics are smarter and socially smarter
- The importance of adopting hopeful skepticism to combat cynicism
- The case study of Microsoft’s organizational cynicism under Steve Ballmer
- Contrasting leadership styles of Steve Ballmer and Satya Nadella at Microsoft
WHY IS THIS A MUST-LISTEN?
This episode is a must-listen because it addresses one of the most pressing issues of our time: the erosion of trust and the rise of cynicism in society. Philosophically, Dr. Jamil Zaki’s insights challenge the notion that human nature is inherently self-serving, offering a compelling argument that empathy and goodness are not just idealistic aspirations but fundamental to our existence.
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Overcome Cynicism with Hopeful Skepticism
In today’s world, cynicism seems to be on the rise. People are becoming increasingly skeptical of others’ intentions, and trust in society is eroding. However, it is important to remember that cynicism is often misplaced. Research shows that we tend to underestimate the kindness, generosity, and openness of others. This negative mindset can lead us to expect the worst in people, which in turn can bring out negative behavior in them.
To address this issue, we can turn to the concept of hopeful skepticism. Hopeful skepticism is not about blind optimism, but rather about learning to magnify the good in people while also staying critical where it counts. It is about finding a balance between trusting others and being cautious in our interactions.
For the past 20 years, Dr. Jamil Zaki has been deeply engaged in the study of “human goodness,” revealing how connection, empathy, and kindness shape our world. In his book, “Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness,” he explores how we can overcome cynicism through hopeful skepticism. His research team has discovered that most people genuinely prioritize compassion over selfishness. Remarkably, donating money activates the brain’s pleasure centers much like eating chocolate does, and helping others through stressful situations also alleviates our own stress.
This perspective offers a refreshing contrast to the modern, highly individualistic concept of “self-care,” which, when disconnected from community and solidarity, has devolved into a superficial focus on bubble baths and a misreading of social interactions as burdensome “emotional labor.”
Cynicism, on the other hand, has detrimental effects both personally and societally. Cynics tend to be sicker, more depressed, drink more, and have shorter lifespans than those who are less cynical. On a broader scale, countless studies show that cynical attitudes corrode relationships, communities, economies, and society itself. In contrast, people living in high-trust communities enjoy longer, healthier, and happier livesโbenefits equivalent to a 40% pay raise, according to Zaki. Despite these advantages, cynicism has been on the rise, with the percentage of Americans who believe “most people can be trusted” dropping by 20% between 1972 and 2018. Although Zaki’s data focuses on the U.S., its implications are global.
One of the key messages from Dr. Zaki’s research is the importance of building trust and faith in others. By approaching interactions with a data-driven mindset and seeking evidence of kindness and generosity in people, we can fuel our own happiness and well-being. This approach not only benefits us individually but also contributes to creating a more positive and supportive society.
In conclusion, it is important to approach information and sources with a critical but open-minded mindset. Blind mistrust only serves to further divide us and hinder our ability to work together towards common goals. By seeking the truth and being willing to engage in dialogue and consider different perspectives, we can build trust, find common ground, and work towards a better, more informed society. Hopeful skepticism is a powerful tool for overcoming cynicism and fostering a more positive and connected world.
THANKS, JAMIL ZAKI
If you enjoyed this interview with Jamil Zaki, let him know by clicking on the link below and sending him a quick shout on LinkedIn:
Click here to show Dr. Jamil Zaki your thoughts about todayโs episode on LinkedIn
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If you want us to answer your questions or you want John to discuss a topic on one of our upcoming Momentum Friday episodes, drop us a line at momentumfriday@passionstruck.com.
RESOURCES FROM THE SHOW WITH JAMIL ZAKI
Please note that some of the links on this page (books, movies, music, etc.) lead to affiliate programs for which The Passion Struck podcast receives compensation. Itโs just one of the ways we keep the lights on around here. Thank you so much for being so supportive!
- Dr. Jamil Zaki’s Publications Website
- Jamil Zaki’s LinkedIn
- BUY Jamil Zaki’s book: https://amzn.to/47815wY
- Passion Struck Core Value System: https://passionstruck.com/the-passion-struck-core-belief-system/
- Listen to Passion Struckโs interviews with New York Times bestselling authors Gretchen Rubin and Seth Godin.
- Check out Passion Struckโs Episode Starter Packs on Spotify or Passion Struck starter packs to get started with the podcast.
Canโt miss my episode with Angela Duckworth on the Keys to Achieving Long-Term Success
Listen to my interview with BJ Fogg on How Tiny Habits Can Transform Your Life
Watch my episode with Dacher Keltner on the Hidden Power of Moral Beauty
Catch my interview with Katy Milkman on Creating Lasting Behavior Change for Good
About Todayโs Guest, Dr. Jamil Zaki
JAMIL ZAKI is a professor of psychology at Stanford University and the director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab. Using tools from psychology and neuroscience, he and his colleagues examine how empathy works and how people can learn to empathize more effectively. His writing on these topics has appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the New Yorker, and the Atlantic. He lives in San Francisco with his wife and their two daughters.
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