The Hub Dialogues, Happiness, Bonobos

Links and recommendations

Yesterday I was on The Hub Dialogues podcast, speaking with Sean Speer.

Links for Spotify and Apple Podcast.

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The Psychology of Social Status:

My new lecture series “The Psychology of Social Status” is now available exclusively at Peterson Academy.

I delivered six lectures in front of a live studio audience, exploring the psychology of social status, examining its evolutionary roots, developmental origins, and the fundamental role it plays in shaping human behavior. We examine individual differences in status-seeking, the evolutionary reasons behind status pursuit, and the complex relationships between status, envy, emotions, and intrasexual competition for romantic partners. We also investigate the dynamics of social status in relation to stories, plot lines, and arenas of competition, and conclude by discussing the concept of luxury beliefs and their impact on society.

Enroll here for immediate access.

Here’s the trailer:

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From the archives:

Why Dumb Ideas Capture Smart and Successful People: Intelligent individuals are better at understanding the reputational consequences of their beliefs.

Why Dumb Ideas Capture Smart and Successful People

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Links and recommendations:

• The Burning Woman on the Train by Reihan Salam

• The 10,000 Reader Rule by Shawn Coyne

• Technology for the American Family by Jon Askonas and Michael Toscano

• Bonobos, the ‘hippie chimps,’ might not be so mellow after all by Phie Jacobs

• The truth about happiness by Lionel Page

• Women and Children First by Louise Perry

• Follow me on Instagram here. The platform is less volatile and more chill than Twitter/X, so I post some spicier excerpts from my readings on my IG stories

• You can follow me on TikTok here

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Three interesting findings:

1. Having clear and actionable goals is positively associated with psychological well-being. Goals provide life with a sense of purpose. When people make good progress in achieving their most valued goals, they enjoy higher levels of happiness. (source: The Person: A New Introduction to Personality Psychology, 6th Edition by Dan P. McAdams and William L. Dunlop).

2. For all relationships (serious and casual), women preferred a romantic partner more intelligent than themselves, whereas men only desired a partner more intelligent for serious relationships. For women, a mate’s intelligence appears to be a nonnegotiable psychological characteristic. (source).

3. Sociopaths, who comprise only 3-4% of the male population and less than 1% of the female population, account for over 50% of all crimes in the U.S. (source).

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My Reading List is Still Available:

I spent several months compiling a list of the most interesting and impactful books I’ve ever read.

The list contains my mini-reviews summarizing each book and explaining its importance.

If you are interested in getting it, just follow these two steps:

1. Order a copy of my book Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class in whatever format you want (print, ebook, or audiobook)

2. Send a screenshot or photo of your receipt or proof of purchase to the email address troubledmemoir@gmail.com and use the subject line SECRET READING LIST

Already purchased a copy? Just send a screenshot of your receipt to troubledmemoir@gmail.com with the subject line SECRET READING LIST and you’ll get the secret reading list right away.

That's it!

And if you don’t receive it within 24 hours, please check your spam/junk.

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