Robert Sapolsky: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst
Why Hacker News recommends it
HN recommends Sapolsky as an exceptional storyteller and points to this lecture on the biology of human behavior and violence.
What it is
A 73-minute Stanford talk by Robert Sapolsky drawn from his book Behave. It surveys the biological factors behind human behavior at its best and worst.
Recommended by 3 HN commenters across 3 different months, 2020 to 2026.
What Hacker News said
Strong rec azeirah · 2023-03 · on “You just gotta tell a good story”
A good counterexample is Robert Sapolsky. He uses a lot of storytelling and anecdotes in his scientific teachings and lectures. His writing is amazing, his lectures even more so. Here's an example lecture: [this video]
Recommends 0134340 · 2020-08 · on “The Dark Core of Personality (2018)”
I think if you take the view of modern genetics, admittedly I'm a layman on this topic, this is an often useless, antiquated (nature vs nurture) reductive trope. Despite what genetics may code for, our actions are a sum of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Genetics being one, epigenetics potentially another as well as upbringing, culture, diet and multitudes of other factors. Someone with psychopathy may produce positive societal results even to the benefit of himself sometimes if conditions favor such behavior although could very well go wrong given another upbringing. I think the implications of labeling these behaviors as "dark" can be a bit too reductionist and can turn into a literal wit
Recommends gejose · 2023-09 · on “Common infections can spark psychiatric illnesses in children”
The parent comment mentions Robert Sapolsky and I can't resist linking a talk where he explores various physical and environmental factors that influence human actions - [this video] If anyone finds the video above interesting, also check out his Behavioural Biology lecture series on YouTube - [LINK] His upcoming book can be found here - [LINK]
Cites mcdeltat · 2026-04 · on “Sam Altman's home targeted in second attack”
I recently saw a lecture by neuroscientist Robert Sapolsky [1] which discussed the complexities of human violence. We both condone and don't condone violence all the time, depending on social context. And furthers, our ways of expressing violence are varied (even down to tiny things like the silent treatment). We (along with other animals) have always used aggression to enforce social order and obtain social benefit. Perhaps something to think about in a scenario like this. Personally I think it's interesting that some people are so quick to condone aggressive attacks on powerful people, yet have no comment on those powerful people committing lower levels of violence against the masses. It's