Dr. Samuel Wilkinson on Why Life Is a Test of Good and Evil

In this thought-provoking episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with Dr. Samuel Wilkinson to explore one of life’s most profound questions: Is existence a test of good and evil? Dr. Wilkinson, a psychiatrist and professor at the Yale School of Medicine, brings a unique perspective—one rooted in both science and spirituality.

Drawing from his groundbreaking book, Purpose: What Evolution and Human Nature Imply about the Meaning of Our Existence, Sam challenges the notion that evolution and faith are at odds. Instead, he reveals how understanding human nature can illuminate our search for purpose, the struggle between our better and darker selves, and why life may indeed be a test of moral character. This episode is a deep dive into the intersection of biology, belief, and the timeless battle between good and evil.

Want to learn the 12 philosophies that the most successful people use to create a limitless life? Order John R. Miles’s new book, Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here – even one sentence helps! Please post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us to thank you personally!

In case you didn’t already know it, John R. Miles (@John_R_Miles) takes your comments and questions for Momentum Friday right here every week! If you want him to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Momentum Friday episodes, drop us a line at [email protected]. Now, let’s dive in!

Hear the secrets and philosophy of the World’s GREATEST high achievers every Tuesday and Thursday, and tune in each week for an inspirational Momentum Friday solo message.

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.

Why Life Is a Test of Good and Evil with Dr. Samuel Wilkinson

In this captivating episode of Passion Struck, Dr. Samuel Wilkinson joins John R. Miles for a profound exploration of human nature, morality, and the search for meaning. The conversation delves into the complex relationship between evolution and faith, shedding light on how these forces shape our behavior, relationships, and sense of purpose. Dr. Wilkinson discusses the duality within us all—the constant push and pull between our altruistic instincts and selfish desires—framing life as a moral test where our everyday choices define who we become. From the crisis of meaning in modern society to the crucial role of family and relationships, this episode offers a powerful reflection on what it means to live a life of intention and integrity.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode With Samuel Wilkinson:

• The dual nature of human beings: Dr. Wilkinson explains how we are biologically wired for both cooperation and competition, and how understanding this duality helps us navigate moral choices.
• Evolution and purpose: A thought-provoking discussion on how evolutionary processes, rather than being purely random, may point to deeper patterns of meaning and intentionality.
• The crisis of meaning in modern life: Why technology, isolation, and the breakdown of family structures contribute to a growing sense of purposelessness.
• Micro choices and moral character: How the small, daily decisions we make ultimately shape our character and determine whether we lean toward good or evil.
• The role of relationships in finding purpose: Dr. Wilkinson emphasizes the fundamental importance of family bonds and meaningful relationships in cultivating a fulfilling life.
• Everyday heroes and moral beauty: A look at how simple acts of service and moral courage define true heroism.

WHY IS THIS EPISODE WITH SAMUEL WILKINSON A MUST-LISTEN?

This episode challenges you to reflect on the deeper forces at play in your life. Are you making intentional choices that align with your values, or are you being unconsciously pulled by your instincts? Dr. Wilkinson’s insights push listeners to consider how evolution, faith, and morality intersect—and why the battle between good and evil isn’t just a philosophical concept but a lived experience. If you’re seeking clarity on how to live a life of purpose and integrity, this conversation is both eye-opening and deeply motivating.

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR FEATURED RESOURCES

Thank You, BIOptimizers, For Sponsoring

This November, BIOptimizers is offering an exclusive Black Friday BLOWOUT! Get discounts on all their amazing products—including Magnesium Breakthrough—plus up to $100 in free gifts. Don’t miss out! Visit https://bioptimizers.com/passion to shop now

Thank You, Hims, For Sponsoring

Hims: Regrow your hair before it’s too late! Start your free online visit today at Hims.com/PASSIONSTRUCK.

Thank You, Mint Mobile, For Sponsoring

Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at “MINT MOBILE dot com slash PASSION.”

Thank You, Rosetta Stone, For Sponsoring

Unlock 25 languages for life at “ROSETTASTONE.com/passionstruck.”

Thank You, Prolon, For Sponsoring

Reset your health with 15% off at “ProlonLife.com/passionstruck.”

STARTER PACKS

Are you new to the show? These Starter Packs are collections of our most popular episodes grouped by topic, and we now have them on Spotify.

You can also browse starter packs for existing listeners to find your old favorites. Every week, John interviews everyday heroes from all walks of life. Learn how to subscribe to the show and never miss a new episode and topic.

Like this? Please subscribe and join me on my new YouTube platform for peak performance, life coaching, and personal mastery.

The Interplay of Family, Relationships, Faith, and Evolution

During this eye-opening Passion Struck Podcast interview, Dr. Samuel Wilkinson explored the profound connection between family, relationships, faith, and evolution — and how these forces work together to shape our sense of purpose. Drawing from his book, Purpose: What Evolution and Human Nature Imply about the Meaning of Our Existence, Dr. Wilkinson sheds light on how human behavior is deeply influenced by both biological instincts and spiritual beliefs, forming a complex web that defines who we are and what we strive for.

At the heart of the conversation was the idea that relationships — particularly family bonds — are not just social constructs but evolutionary necessities. Dr. Wilkinson explained that from an evolutionary standpoint, humans have always relied on close-knit groups for survival. The instinct to form attachments, protect loved ones, and seek community stems from our need to pass on genetic material and ensure the continuation of our species. But, as he pointed out, evolution doesn’t stop at survival — it also carves pathways for deeper meaning and moral growth.

Faith adds another layer to this dynamic. Dr. Wilkinson discussed how faith traditions across cultures often emphasize the importance of family and community, reinforcing behaviors that foster cooperation, empathy, and long-term thinking. He argued that religious practices frequently mirror evolutionary patterns, encouraging us to prioritize the collective good over individual desires. However, he also acknowledged the tension many feel between faith and evolution — a struggle he personally experienced during medical school — but emphasized that these forces don’t have to be in opposition. Instead, they can complement each other, with evolution explaining how we got here and faith guiding us on how to live with purpose.

A particularly striking point Dr. Wilkinson made was about the crisis of meaning in modern society. He highlighted how the breakdown of family structures, the rise of technology, and increasing social isolation have created a vacuum — one where people struggle to find purpose without the anchoring forces of strong relationships and spiritual grounding. According to him, this disconnection has left many vulnerable to nihilism and despair.

Ultimately, Dr. Wilkinson stressed that living a purposeful life requires nurturing both our evolutionary instincts for connection and our spiritual yearning for meaning. It’s about recognizing that while evolution may have shaped our capacity for love, empathy, and cooperation, it’s our faith, values, and daily choices that determine whether we lean toward good or evil.

This powerful intersection of science and spirituality encourages listeners to reflect: Are you investing in the relationships that matter most? Are you allowing faith — in whatever form resonates with you — to guide your moral compass? Dr. Wilkinson’s insights remind us that purpose isn’t just an abstract idea — it’s forged in the everyday moments of love, sacrifice, and intentional living.

THANKS, SAMUEL WILKINSON

If you enjoyed this interview with Dr. Wilkinson, let him know by clicking on the link below and sending him a quick shout on Instagram

Click here to show Samuel Wilkinson your thoughts about today’s episode on Instagram

Click here to let John R. Miles know about your number one takeaway from this episode!

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 [email protected].

RESOURCES FROM THE SHOW WITH SAMUEL WILKINSON

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. It’s just one of the ways we keep the lights on around here. Thank you so much for being so supportive!

1. Dr. Samuel Wilkinson’s Website
2. Dr. Samuel Wilkinson’s Instagram
3. Dr. Sam Wilkinson’s Youtube Channel
4. BUY Dr. Wilkinson’s book: https://amzn.to/4i3RKe3
5. Passion Struck Core Value System: https://passionstruck.com/the-passion-struck-core-belief-system/
6. Listen to Passion Struck’s interviews with New York Times bestselling authors Gretchen Rubin and Seth Godin.
7. Check out Passion Struck’s Episode Starter Packs on Spotify or Passion Struck starter packs to get started with the podcast.

My solo episode on The Science of Healthy Habits

My episode with Ethan Mollick on the Impact of AI on Life and Work

Can’t miss my episode with Robert Breedlove on the Hidden War on Financial Freedom

Catch my interview with Jeffrey C. Walker On: The Criticality of Collaboration in Systems Change

Listen to my interview with Richard Dolan On the Importance of Financial Health in Life

About Today’s Guest, Samuel Wilkinson

Dr. Sam Wilkinson is a psychiatrist, researcher, and author known for his work at the intersection of mental health, human nature, and purpose. He is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Yale University, where he focuses on treatment-resistant depression, neuromodulation, and the broader psychological and philosophical questions surrounding human existence.

Dr. Wilkinson is the author of Purpose: What Evolution and Human Nature Imply about the Meaning of Our Existence, a thought-provoking book that explores how evolutionary science and human behavior intertwine with our search for meaning. With a background that bridges science and spirituality, Dr. Wilkinson offers unique insights into how faith, relationships, and evolutionary patterns shape our lives.

Follow John R. Miles On Social

* Twitter: https://twitter.com/Milesjohnr

* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnrmiles.c0m

* Medium: https://medium.com/@JohnRMiles​

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_r_milesacks for existing listeners to find your old favorites. Every week, John interviews everyday heroes from all walks of life. Learn how to subscribe to the show and never miss a new episode and topic.

* Gear: https://www.zazzle.com/store/passion_struck/

Learn more about me: https://johnrmiles.com.

Passion Struck aspires to speak to the humanity of people in a way that makes them want to better, live better, and impact the world.

Passion Struck’s mission is to unlock the power of intentionality for the benefit of us all. To create a world where we live better, be better, and impact the world through our unique and powerful content.