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Andrew Huberman poses a thought-provoking question about the lack of new major religions in modern society, despite many subdivisions within existing faiths. This sets up an interesting discussion about the evolution and sticking power of religious movements.
Dr. DeSteno explains that 'surrender' in the context of spirituality or partnership doesn't mean giving up control or intelligent thought, but rather accepting help and collaboration from others or a higher power. This offers a nuanced understanding of a commonly misunderstood concept.
Andrew Huberman announces his very first book, 'Protocols, an operating manual for the human body.' He describes it as the culmination of over 5 years of work and 30 years of research and experience, covering protocols for sleep, exercise, stress control, focus, and motivation, all with scientific substantiation.
Dr. DeSteno explains that rituals are far more than simple actions; they are sophisticated mind-body practices, comparing them to a 'symphony' of life hacks. This clip introduces the powerful and complex nature of rituals, setting the stage for discussions on their role in human experience, such as grieving.
This clip explores the counter-intuitive yet powerful role of eulogies in mourning. Dr. DeSteno explains how, unlike other losses, focusing on positive memories of the deceased through eulogizing is a key predictor of moving through grief successfully, according to bereavement research.
Dr. DeSteno explains 'motor synchrony,' where moving in unison with others fosters connection and compassion. He describes a lab experiment showing how synchronized tapping increased participants' willingness to help a stranger by 30%, highlighting the profound impact of collective movement in rituals like Shiva.
Andrew Huberman shares a personal anecdote about rapid bonding at summer camp through communal activities, leading into a discussion on the evolutionary theory that song and dance predate spoken language as primary forms of human connection. This clip emphasizes the power of non-verbal, bodily synchrony in building deep bonds.
Dr. DeSteno distinguishes between belief in God and religious practice, asserting that for many global cultures, religion is more about rituals and actions than creed. He highlights that simply believing in God without active engagement in practices does not yield the same health benefits, underscoring the importance of 'doing' over just 'believing.'
Dr. DeSteno explains the synergistic effect of combining the physical practices (like motor synchrony) with the belief elements of prayer and meditation. He argues that this mind-body integration, especially in community settings, leads to greater benefits than practice alone, as traditional meditation was never meant to be a solitary activity.
Dr. DeSteno delves into 'right-handed' and 'left-handed' roots to achieving transcendent experiences like ego death. Right-handed roots involve long-term practices like meditation within religious traditions, while left-handed roots, such as psychedelics, offer a quicker but potentially riskier path without the sustained guidance and integration.
Dr. DeSteno explains the psychological impact of awe, demonstrating how experiences of profound beauty or complexity in nature (like the Grand Canyon or the human eye) can make individuals more receptive to the idea of supernatural experiences or a 'something beyond them.' This clip delves into the scientific basis of how emotions influence belief.
Dr. DeSteno reveals a surprising statistic from a scholar: between 100 and 200 new religions form every year. He clarifies that the definition is loose, including groups some might call cults or even very unusual individual beliefs.
Dr. DeSteno explains that most new religions are 'flashes in the pan' and don't stick. He outlines two main ways religions do endure: through power (historically, an emperor's decree) or, more commonly in the modern world, by speaking to a deep human need and offering new ways to be spiritual.
Dr. DeSteno explains that people are seeking to fill a 'God-shaped hole' in their hearts, but traditional religious rituals often fall short. This desire could lead to the evolution of new spiritual movements that better meet modern needs.
Andrew Huberman discusses how the Grateful Dead and their followers, known as Dead Heads, exhibited characteristics that came close to meeting the criteria for a religion. He notes that people literally followed them around the country, highlighting the intense devotion and community aspects.
Andrew Huberman explores the fine line between a dedicated following and a cult, using the Grateful Dead as an example. He notes that while some might see 'giving up their lives' as cultish, Dead Heads viewed it as 'accessing life.' He also points out that not all Dead Heads fit the stereotype of drug use, with AA/NA meetings even held at shows.
Andrew Huberman defines cults by their common elements: an over-symbolized leader (like Jerry Garcia for Dead Heads, or the 'Steal Your Face' skull), and specific rules or practices. He then contrasts this with extreme examples like Heaven's Gate or the Branch Davidians, where leaders (like David Koresh) truly believed they were special, which was not the case for Jerry Garcia.
Andrew Huberman concludes the discussion on cults by emphasizing that they involve people drastically changing their lives, often leading to exploitation, crime, or mass suicide (like Jonestown). He stresses that the line between a cult and a new religion is 'extremely thin.'
Dr. DeSteno defines cults primarily by the presence of a charismatic leader and a 'cult of personality,' where followers are expected to worship that individual. He cautions that when a leader believes they are uniquely special, it often leads to negative outcomes for those they lead.
Andrew Huberman suggests that periods of rapid societal changeâdriven by technology, shifting norms, and economic practicesâcombined with growing disillusionment with traditional faiths, could lead to a 'reorientation' in how people seek spirituality.
Andrew Huberman discusses how stereotypes about religions are often formed by the 'avatars' or public figures associated with them. He uses the Dalai Lama and Buddhism as an example, where the perception of peace and happiness can draw people in.
Andrew Huberman discusses how religious communities grapple with the flaws of their figures, using the Catholic Church abuse scandal as an example. He notes that while horrific acts occurred, many Catholics were able to dissociate these actions from the core tenets of Catholicism, viewing them as antithetical to their faith.
Dr. DeSteno explains that the impact of transparency and scandal will affect religions differently. Those requiring an intermediary (like a Catholic priest for sacraments) are more vulnerable than religions where individuals can experience God directly, as there's a growing desire for unhindered, institution-free spiritual experiences.
Dr. DeSteno challenges the common belief that religion is the primary cause of war. He argues that most wars are actually fought over land and resources, with religion often being 'pulled in' as a justification rather than the root cause.
This moment introduces the central theme of the episode, challenging the common perception that science and religion are incompatible. Dr. DeSteno promises to explain why this view is incorrect and share data on the tremendous mental and physical benefits of religion and prayer. This is a compelling hook for listeners.
Andrew Huberman shares a fascinating anecdote: the person holding the Guinness World Record for the highest IQ is a self-declared Christian who aligns their platform with Christianity. This challenges common stereotypes about intelligence and faith, showing that high intellect doesn't preclude strong religious belief.
Dr. DeSteno introduces the concept of religious practices as 'spiritual technologies'âmind-body practices that can profoundly influence hearts and minds. He emphasizes that these technologies are neutral; their impact (for good or ill) depends entirely on the motives of the people using them.
Dr. DeSteno asserts that religiosity does not correlate with intelligence. He explains that brilliant people, whether they embrace a belief in God or not, often recognize that science cannot refute the existence of God. If they feel a personal connection, there's no rational reason to reject it.
Dr. DeSteno highlights a surprising trend: many people are finding profound spiritual experiences at Burning Man. He explains that this event acts as a 'liminal space' where normal life and identity are stripped away, leading to a reliance on others and self-transcending experiences that foster pro-social behavior.
Dr. DeSteno shares the story of an Episcopal minister, Alex Lee, who runs a 'Religious AF' camp at Burning Man. Lee found that he never felt the presence of God as palpably as he did there, witnessing people ministering to each other without expectation. This illustrates how new forms of community can lead to profound spiritual experiences.
Andrew Huberman explains a significant shift in modern fame: the more famous you are now, the harder it is to control your reputation because your 'real' self and any flaws are visible. This contrasts with 20 years ago, when fame allowed for greater mystique and reputation management. This applies to politicians, religious figures, and even special operations communities.
Dr. DeSteno reveals a fascinating psychological insight into death anxiety, explaining it follows an 'upside-down U' curve. He details how those who firmly believe in an afterlife and those who firmly reject it experience less anxiety than the group in the middle: those who are uncertain, highlighting the brain's fundamental need for certainty.
Dr. DeSteno shares a powerful psychological tool: contemplating your death. He explains how this practice, common across many religious traditions, can reorient your values towards what truly brings happiness (loved ones, service, legacy) at any age, helping you find joy and purpose sooner in life without dwelling morbidly.
Andrew Huberman dissects the crucial role of surrendering to a 'higher power' in 12-step programs. He explains that this step acknowledges the inherent limitations of the human brain in overcoming addiction and challenges alone, highlighting that true progress often requires help beyond individual will or community support. This insight offers a compelling perspective on why belief in something greater can be vital for personal transformation.
Dr. DeSteno clarifies that surrendering to a higher power is not about passivity but about doing your best and then trusting in support beyond your control. This approach, which reduces stress and anxiety by alleviating the 'tyranny of choice,' can make challenging goals more achievable, providing a sense of partnership and easing the burden of constant optimization.
Dr. DeSteno shares a fascinating lab experiment on cheating, revealing that while 100% of people verbally acknowledge lying is wrong, a shocking 85% will still cheat when given the opportunity in private. This highlights the adaptive nature of human morality and our tendency to rationalize self-serving behavior.
Dr. DeSteno presents a shocking counter-example to the peaceful image of Buddhism: in Sri Lanka, Buddhism is being used to justify genocide, with monks taking up arms. He states that 'any religion can do that,' highlighting the potential for even benevolent faiths to be twisted for harmful purposes.
Dr. DeSteno discusses a critical danger of religion: while it builds community for insiders, it can also increase distance from outsiders, fostering an 'us versus them' mentality. He argues that the true message of religion should be to expand the 'moral circle of concern' to include everyone, citing the Bible's emphasis on being good to strangers.
Andrew Huberman praises Dr. DeSteno for providing a roadmap for asking good questions about life's big spiritual dilemmas, like the afterlife and the existence of God. He highlights that the data supports the benefits of practices and that engagement leads to more agency, not a loss of self-control.
Andrew Huberman poses a profound question: Do existing major religions (Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism) and non-belief systems (atheism, agnosticism) collectively 'tile' all the human brain's needs and anxiety states? He wonders if these options already cover all bases, from grief and celebration to moral structure and afterlife concepts.
Dr. DeSteno reveals the psychological science behind the Jewish Shiva ritual of covering mirrors during mourning. Research shows that looking into a mirror intensifies current emotions, so covering them can help reduce the overwhelming sadness and grief experienced by those in mourning.
Dr. DeSteno cites research by psychologists Kirk Gray and Joshua Jackson, showing that when people feel threatened, their conception of God becomes more aggressive and punitive. They tend to recall vengeful passages from religious texts, even leading to phenomena like Christian nationalism with images of Jesus holding an AK-47.
Dr. DeSteno emphasizes that religion, like science, is a 'technology' that can be used for both good and evil. He argues that our adaptive minds, when threatened, will use religion to justify fighting. While acknowledging institutional abuses, he concludes that on average, religion helps people live better lives.
When asked if he believes in miracles, Dr. DeSteno, as an agnostic, states that he believes in things that happen beyond our explanation and predictability. He is open to the possibility that these events could be attributed to an 'unseen force' but doesn't claim to know for certain.
This clip stresses the paramount importance of safety and guidance when using psychedelics. Dr. DeSteno explains that traditional use involved shamans creating a safe 'container' to navigate ego death, and modern therapeutic approaches at institutions like Hopkins replicate this with guides to prevent terrifying or problematic outcomes.
Dr. DeSteno speculates on the future of religion, suggesting that new faiths could emerge built around AI. He envisions AI becoming an 'omniscient super intelligence' that knows everything about individuals and can solve problems better than humans, potentially offering a new form of spiritual connection and anxiety reduction.
This clip explores the human brain's inherent capacity for both good and evil, referencing post-WWII psychological experiments like the Milgram study. It challenges the notion that evil is purely external, demonstrating how ordinary individuals can engage in harmful behavior under specific conditions, revealing the wiring within us all.
Dr. DeSteno explains how religious contexts and the practice of gratitude significantly reduce cheating and increase pro-social behavior. He details how 'top-down' belief in a higher power and 'bottom-up' emotional nudges from gratitude both cultivate honesty, generosity, and helpfulness, demonstrating how religions curate our emotional lives.
Andrew Huberman discusses the concept of God as a '3 AM friend,' drawing parallels to the Harvard study on adult development's emphasis on strong personal relationships for overall health. This clip highlights how a belief in God can provide a constant sense of support, akin to having someone who always 'has your back,' thereby significantly reducing feelings of loneliness.
Dr. DeSteno offers open-minded advice for exploring spiritual questions: try different religions to see what resonates. He believes there are 'multiple routes to God' (if God exists) and multiple ways to use wisdom to improve life (if God doesn't). He emphasizes that it's okay to 'sample, try, and ask questions.'
Dr. DeSteno shares a striking experiment demonstrating meditation's direct behavioral benefits on compassion. In a staged scenario, meditators were three times more likely to help someone in pain compared to a control group. This provides concrete scientific evidence that meditation can directly foster kindness and helping behavior.
Dr. DeSteno candidly shares his personal spiritual journey, revealing that he prays when stressed but doesn't have a daily practice, humorously comparing himself to 'the doctor who smokes cigarettes.' He explains he's still 'working out his belief system,' having been raised Catholic, left the church, and now identifies as agnostic, embracing practices like gratitude and meditation based on data.
Dr. DeSteno shares a powerful piece of advice from a wise rabbi: "Na'aseh v'Nishma" (we will do and then we will understand). He explains that sometimes understanding the importance or benefit of a practice comes only *after* engaging in it, and trying to work out all the logic first can be an impediment. This encourages action over endless contemplation.
Dr. DeSteno offers a clear scientific perspective on why the question of God's existence is not 'useful' for scientists. He explains that science relies on falsifiability and the ability to run experiments, which is impossible when dealing with a concept like God, stating 'the absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.' This clip provides a nuanced, rational approach to a long-debated topic.
Dr. DeSteno presents a compelling argument for engaging with religion, combining Pascal's Wager with robust epidemiological data. He explains how religion offers significant mental and physical health benefits, including reduced all-cause mortality, decreased cancer and cardiovascular disease, and increased meaning and flourishing, making it a 'rational' choice beyond just the afterlife.